How to Use Tuning Forks for Health

Tuning forks are traditionally used to establish tone for musical instruments; however, within holistic medicine, tuning forks are believed to bring balance, stress relief and even pain reduction through the use of their sound and vibrations. Tuning forks can also be used in combination with massage and acupuncture to increase these effects. Tests that measure hearing loss also employ this tool, the two most common being the "Rinne Test" and the "Weber Test."

Things You'll Need

• Tuning fork
• Mallet or solid object to strike fork with
• Quiet environment

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Instructions

Rinne Hearing Test

• 1

  Hold the tuning fork by the handle with the two prongs pointing upward. It is important not to touch the prongs.

• 2

  Tap the tuning fork with a solid object to produce the vibrations. Many tuning fork sets come with a small mallet to perform this task.

• 3

  Perform the first part of the test. Hold the tuning fork against the skull on the bone just behind one ear. Remain there for 10 seconds.

• 4

  Perform the second part of the test. Pull the tuning fork away from the skull and place it just next to the ear. Do not allow the fork to touch the body. Remain there for 10 seconds.

• 5

  Determine the results. Ask the subject whether the sound was louder touching the skull or held away from the ear. Hearing is abnormal if the subject hears a louder and longer tone when the tuning fork is held against the bone. If this is the case, have the subject set up an appointment with his family doctor to confirm your results.

Holistic Medicine

• 6

  Hold the tuning fork by the stem or handle. Again, do not touch the prongs.

• 7

  Strike the tuning fork with a solid object (i.e., mallet) to produce the vibrations.

• 8

  Place the fork next to the area of the body that requires healing or restored energy (e.g., painful body part, chakras, areas being massaged). Allow the vibrations to penetrate deep into the muscles, but do not touch the body with the tuning fork. Allow the vibrations to stop before removing the fork.

• 9

  Repeat as necessary.