A Proposal of Emotion Evocative Sound Compositions for Therapeutic Purposes

Recognition and understanding of emotions is a path for self healing. We have worked with Mandalas of Emotions, derived from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a complementary therapy. In this paper, we present the conceptual framework related to the creation of sound collages for the five elements of TCM and assessment of these compositions by experienced holistic therapists. Results present quantitative data, according to scales for relaxation, arousal and valence, and qualitative data from transcription and analysis of the recorded responses of volunteers. In our study, the most common perceptions were warmth, irritation, peace and fear. The innovation of this proposal may stimulate further research on emotion-evoking sounds, and in sound composition.