For as long as I can remember, the days leading up to my period have felt like a tumultuous rollercoaster of emotions. I used to refer to it as “PMS on steroids,” but it turns out that I actually have PMDD, a severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This mental health condition affects roughly 10 percent of people who menstruate, according to the Cleveland Clinic. PMDD is characterized by significant shifts in mood, anxiety levels, energy, and pain in the 10 to 14 days before menstruation.
The exact cause of PMDD remains unclear, but it is believed to be linked to a sharp decrease in the hormone progesterone prior to menstruation. This drop affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating sleep, mood, and pain, as per the National Institutes of Health. Standard treatments for PMDD typically include therapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle adjustments such as stress reduction, improved sleep, and a balanced diet rich in healthy proteins and fats. While these approaches have helped me manage my PMDD, there are times when I require additional support, especially during periods of high stress.
This is where natural healing modalities come into play. Enter SOAAK, a new sound healing app that recently introduced a frequency composition called “PMS Support” designed to assist individuals in managing PMS and PMDD symptoms. Although I had never explored natural remedies for my PMDD before, the opportunity to try the app free for 30 days intrigued me.
SOAAK is a health tech company affiliated with RenuYou, a natural clinic based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company was founded nearly a decade ago by Henry Penix and Laura Widney, combining their expertise in technology and naturopathic healing. Originally established to satisfy the demand for sound healing therapy among their in-person clients, SOAAK has since developed a sound healing app in collaboration with scientists, physicians, and app engineers.
Sound healing therapy has been used for generations in traditional Eastern medicine to promote relaxation and address various physical and mental health issues, according to Integrative Medicine (Encinitas). SOAAK’s app features 30 different sound frequency compositions tailored to individual needs, including popular options like “Sleep well,” “Anti-anxiety,” “Mood boost,” “Focus,” and “Headache and migraine support.” The new addition, “PMS support,” aims to alleviate symptoms associated with PMS and PMDD.
Each 20-minute frequency composition can be downloaded and played at any time, akin to a meditation session. The frequencies utilize a range of tones set at different Hertz (Hz) frequencies, with the most commonly used spiritual healing frequency being 432 Hz. The app also allows users to layer frequencies with sounds of nature or music for a personalized experience.
In addition to the frequency compositions, the SOAAK app offers a suite of features, including 21-day programs on mental health and motivational topics, health biometrics tracking, a virtual health concierge, a gratitude journal, and a dual audio function. While the concept of a sound healing app may be new, sound therapy itself has a longstanding history of promoting wellness and relaxation.
My experience with SOAAK’s “PMS support” frequency over a 30-day trial period was overwhelmingly positive. The app’s user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate, and the frequency itself provided a calming and meditative experience. I incorporated the frequency into my daily routine, listening to it at various times to alleviate symptoms associated with PMDD.
During my pre-period days, when intrusive and negative thoughts tend to escalate, the “PMS support” frequency helped redirect my focus and promote relaxation. Whether I was cleaning, walking my dog, or simply relaxing at home, the frequency composition helped me maintain a sense of calm and centeredness.
In conclusion, the SOAAK app proved to be a valuable addition to my self-care regimen for managing PMDD symptoms. Its unique blend of sound healing frequencies and user-friendly features make it a practical and effective tool for promoting overall wellbeing.
