HOW AND WHY THE HARP HEALS US! – SaraJane Williams – The Harp Journal

• 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…” “(NOTHING) except water produces such a full complement of harmonics.” “…the waveform of a harp approximates that of the human voice. This very special wave shape is the sound equivalent of white light.”