The Harp in the Healing Environment

The harp has a very wide pitch range (low C – 32 703 HZ to high G – 3136.0 HZ) which can vibrate the entire human body. The sound of the plucked string also closely matches the sound of vibrated human vocal chords.

It offers a varied palette of tone colors, many of which are very soothing.

The harp is noted for the ethereal effect that can be created through the use of its unique enharmonic glissando technique.

The associated emotional expression of plucking strings may release tension.

The muscles in our bodies resonate to harp strings and act like harp strings.

When a harpist holds the harp while playing, it vibrates the player’s body, including the thymus gland which is a major gland in the immune system and is located in the chest. Embracing the instrument is also a symbol of emotional nurturing.

Aeolian harp may be the only instrument Mother Nature can play, herself. The harmonics created by the wind on the harp strings is very ethereal.

Notes played on the harp blend into each other, creating an echo effect which may induce relaxation. This effect is especially apparent when the ear is placed near a sound hole located on the back of the harp.

The whole body is used when playing harp, stimulating more brain tissue.

Harps are made of wood, a material that symbolizes warmth and strength. They are impressive in size and shape. They are roughly triangular; the strongest of all geometric shapes (Pythagoras). The gentle curves of the neck also depict sacred geometry in form.

According to Don Estes, “Very complex information can be communicated though this elegant and yet simple instrument…” “…and other vibrating medium (strings) except water produces such a full complement of harmonics””…and the waveform of a harp approximates that of the human voice. The very special wave shape is the sound equivalent of white light.”