What is Instrument-Assisted Vibration Therapy (IAVT)?
At New Earth Healing Center, we developed a unique form of instrument-assisted, local vibration therapy using non-thermal low intensity, low frequency (LILF) ultrasonic cavitation to relieve fluid pressure from compartmentalized fascia.
Our primary instrument is a weighted 128hz tuning fork. This tool is used as a manual-based vibration therapy device with the same physiological fundamentals as well established therapies using high frequency ultrasound equipment.
The tuning fork is placed directly on soft-tissue locations determined through specialized palpation. We focus on pressurized fluid pockets causing dysfunction in several conditions throughout the body. Generally, one or two placements in a specific location changes the membrane permeability to relieve pressure, relieve pain, restore mobility, restore cardiovascular flow, and restore drainage.
We theorize that fluid-pressure in compartmentalized fascia is responsible for most chronic conditions, and Instrument-Assisted Vibration Therapy is well suited for quickly resolving pressurized pockets to relieve and restore most of the body back to normal conditions.
Specialty Areas of Focus
IAVT is divided up into several specialty areas of focus based on common dysfunction, unique techniques, regional anatomy, and palpation differences. In some specialty areas, we introduce additional tools for assistance in bulk interstitial fluid relocation or tools designed for hard-to-reach areas.
NEHC Academy provides training in each specialty area and offers a full IAVT certification program following completion of certain specialty areas, common core training, case studies, and knowledge exams.
Detailed Look at Specialty Areas
Disclaimer: New Earth Healing Center LLC and NEHC Academy make no claim to “curing” any diseases or conditions, and our method has not been has not been officially confirmed under traditional controlled studies. We offer our own anecdotal case reports from our client interaction in the New Earth Healing Center. Most conditions covered in our training had been experienced first-hand in our Healing Center, and the results range between some positive change to complete resolution in some conditions. Our level of results should not be expected for each client since conditions, causes, and behavioral characteristics vary along with the level of competence and experience of the student or therapist-in-training. We teach what we have learned over the years of using this method on thousands of clients.
Some conditions listed in each section might be contraindicated in certain situations. Although IAVT is a stand-alone therapy, our method and techniques can be added to existing licensed professions with established protocols, procedures, and contraindicators. It is the student’s legal and ethical responsibility to exercise sound judgement when choosing to work on a specific condition, and coordination with medical professional are encouraged where appropriate.
Basic Tuning Fork Skills, Anatomy, & Physiology
This subject area focuses on knowledge of basic tuning fork skills specific to our method. We teach core skills of grip, strike, palpation, angle, pressure, and proper placement. Anatomy and physiology training covers topics associated with fluid dynamics, fascial structures, and pathology/disfunction of soft tissue. Details of this subject will vary with each class to focus on specialty areas
Shoulder, Arm, Elbow, Wrist, & Hand
This specialty area focuses on the following conditions: shoulder conditions (frozen shoulder, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries), elbow conditions (golfers elbow, tennis elbow, bursitis), carpel tunnel syndrome, hand neuropathy, Dupuytren's Contracture, trigger finger, warts, joint pain, arthritis, muscle pain and fatigue, sprains, strains, repetitive stress disorders
Upper Back, Lower Back & Hips
This specialty area focuses on the following conditions: spine deformities and misalignment (lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), tight muscles, sciatic pain, hip pain, bursitis, tailbone trauma
Thigh, Knee, Ankle, and Foot
This specialty area focuses on the following conditions: strained muscles, tight IT band, knee pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toe, ingrown toenail, warts, bone spurs, corns, and fallen arches, old sprains, leg and foot alignment, toenail fungus or thick toenails
Basic Tuning Fork Skills, Anatomy, & Physiology
This subject area focuses on knowledge of basic tuning fork skills specific to our method. We teach core skills of grip, strike, palpation, angle, pressure, and proper placement. Anatomy and physiology training covers topics associated with fluid dynamics, fascial structures, and pathology/disfunction of soft tissue. Details of this subject will vary with each class to focus on specialty areas
Head, Cranium, Neck, & Chest
This specialty area focuses on the following conditions: headaches, migraines, tinnitus, vertigo, TMJ, high blood pressure, sinus pressure, colds, congestion, vision problems (floaters, glaucoma, dry eyes, cataracts, stye, lazy eye), hearing loss, toothaches, gum disease, trigeminal nerve pain, difficulty swallowing, thyroid problems, speech impediments (slurring, stuttering), bronchitis, palpitations, heart problems, breathing problems (emphysema, allergies, asthma, COPD) , whiplash, stiff neck, neurological disorders, and symptoms associated with behavioral conditions (anxiety, depression, anger, meltdowns, autism-related behaviors, panic attacks), some seizure-based disorders, and movement-based conditions.
Abdomen
This specialty area focuses on the following conditions: stomach conditions (hiatal hernia, indigestion, upset stomach), blood-sugar disorders, digestion conditions (Crohn's, Colitis, IBS, diarrhea, constipation), urinary conditions (bed-wetting or incontinence, bladder or urinary infection, stones, kidney infections, prostate problems), female reproductive health (difficult or no periods, yeast infection, tilted uterus, cysts, infertility), male reproductive health (EDS, infertility), inguinal or umbilical hernia, gallstones, hemorrhoids, breast health (milk production, post surgery recovery)
Skin Health & Beauty
This specialty area focuses on the following areas: acne, skin blemishes, lines, wrinkles, under eye bags, puffiness, crow's feet, smoker's lines, laugh lines, age spots, jowls, hair loss, graying hair, body contouring, fat reduction
What does IAVT look like?
With the weighted 128hz tuning fork as the primary assist instrument, the therapist will palpate for a specific quality of tissue. Palpation determines the location and depth of placement. Once the proper placement location has been identified, the tuning fork is struck against the therapist’s palm or knee to activate the vibration.
The palpation hand still remains in place during the entire placement, and the base of the tuning fork is positioned in between the two palpation fingers for constant feedback. The therapist can feel the release of fluid pressure while the vibration runs out. This process repeats throughout a typical treatment until pain is resolved, mobility is restored, or all fluid-pressure pockets have been released.
Since IAVT is a stand-alone therapy, the same primary technique is used across the entire body from head to feet. Techniques will vary based on location in the body, depth of soft tissue, and anatomical structure. For example, the layers of tissue covering the neck and head are thinner than the back and limbs, so we need to adjust the downward pressure and angle of the tuning fork to reduce therapist-induced pain and increase placement efficiency.
We teach palpation, placement, pressure, and position of fork as core competencies in our training program to maintain effective therapeutic techniques.
Who should attend IAVT training?
There is no pre-requisite minimum experience requirement to attend our training program.
This method fits well within existing professional therapy programs and medical professions where there is a focus on manual manipulation of soft tissue with an end result of releasing fascial restrictions. We feel this should include: Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers in all specialty areas, Rolfers (Structural Integration), Manual Therapists, Physical Therapists and Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Speech Therapists, Personal Trainers, Sports Therapists, Osteopathic Doctors, Pain Specialists, and Chiropractors.
Students can take each specialty area training course in any order provided that the pre-requisite fundamental training is completed. Some of our students have taken the Skin Health and Beauty Specialty Area to start their own businesses with anti-aging and body contouring as a main focus. Other students attended training for specific specialty therapy or clinics like Infertility, Speech, and Behavioral.
Classes
We offer two classes focused on different regions of the body. Upon completion of each class, you will be provided with a certificate of completion. Classes can be taken in any order. The Basic Tuning Fork Skills, Anatomy, & Physiology part of the class will be provided through video before the start of class.
Vibrational Fascia Release Technique (VFRT): In this training, we focus on the musculo-skeletal part of the body including bones, tendons, ligaments, and fascial layers and compartments. In a typical VFRT session, our goal is rapid pain relief and resolving mobility restrictions through palpation of fluid-pressurized compartments and placement of the weighted 128hz tuning fork to depressurize the fluid compartments. The VFRT method and techniques work well for both acute injuries and chronic conditions since the main focus is on fluid management of inflammation. If a condition cannot be resolved in one session, we would focus on additional techniques and considerations for ongoing therapy depending on the current condition.
Class 1 (VFRT) Subjects
Class 2 Subjects
Certification
For the Instrument-Assisted Vibration Therapy (IAVT) Certification, you must complete both classes and apply for the official certification. The process for certification requires passing a series of knowledge assessments and completing case studies for each subject area.