Holistic Addiction Treatment: Serenity Bed
The Serenity Bed is actually part of a whole innovative and comprehensiveholistic healing program that was introduced to treatment providers at the 2011 Evolution of Treatment Conference. Referred to as simply the “Serenity Bed,” it actually involves a vibrational platform constructed with memory foam and integrated with an audio/visual delivery system. The program utilizes precisely choreographed music that is synchronized with low frequency sine tones and binaural beats. Lauded by the alternative medicine community, binaural beats could help induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other desirable mental states.
Binaural beats are thought to provide health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and controlling pain. The combination of the music, vibrations and binaural beats induces a theta level meditative state in most people in about 15 minutes. Providers are finding this to be an extremely helpful crisis intervention resource and an effective method of reducing early discharge clients. The Serenity Bed is also a very useful and appropriate incentive to assist in modifying behaviors – the Serenity Bed is the Holistic addiction treatment that is most popular amongst clients. Both the audio and video systems contain guided imagery sessions with positive affirmations and messaging. Optional meditation bands and client workbooks are available with this same messaging for client use when not in session. These affirmation exercises are positive, stimulating, and an extremely effective means of embedding messages through awareness and mindfulness, thereby empowering the client toward a transformational recovery.
Biofeedback
The system also integrates a practical and entertaining biofeedback program based on decades of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, emotions and interactions between the heart and brain. The program teaches the client to use certain techniques in order to attain a more coherent state and consistent heart rhythm patterns. When we are generating a coherent heart rhythm, the body’s systems react with increased balance and harmony; like being “in the zone.” The simple techniques of the Serenity Bed system improve the client’s the ability to take charge of their emotional reactions, health, communication, relationships and therefore quality of life improves.
My Experience with the Serenity Bed
In a word: pleasant. I was already in a good state, not really feeling anxious or depressed. However, I was experiencing a lot of physical discomfort: body aches and a pulled muscle in my neck. I was really looking forward to getting to try out the Serenity bed for these reasons (and plus, I got an hour away from work to lie down and relax…what?!). Upon entering the suite where the Serenity Bed is, I was asked to fill out a quick self-evaluation as to how I was feeling, both mentally and physically. This information was then input into the Serenity Bed system so that I would get the maximum benefit from it. I laid down on the foam bed, which is very comfortable, and was told to put on the headphones. I chose between two videos to watch, which lasted about 7 minutes. There was relaxing yet inspirational music set to the video which was synced to the vibrations of the bed. Then I put on a pair of black-out glasses and just listened to the sounds of first the ocean and then a bonfire setting. This part of theholistic addiction treatment lasted about 45 minutes and also involved the syncopation of sound and vibration. I definitely found myself entering an altered-state, like when I meditate. Afterward, I felt very relaxed yet alert and was able to go right back to working. My body felt a whole helluva-lot better! All of my aches and the neck tension were gone. And mentally, I felt more serene and balanced. I can’t wait to go again. I think I’ll explain to my supervisor how weekly visits to the Serenity Bed will improve my work performance.
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