The Pacini System and HALF-MIS Treatment: Subsonic Music, Consciousness, and Health
Peter Michael Nielsen, Suraiya Luecke
Journal of Consciousness Studies April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.53765/20512201.33.3.016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that the Pacini system modulates brain function and conscious experience and introduces HALF-MIS, a music stimulation treatment that activates this system. Reports promising indications from case studies and ongoing trials that HALF-MIS may reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and long COVID-19 symptoms. |
Abstract
What is the role of subsonic and low-frequency vibration in consciousness, music, and health? This article draws on neurophysiological, evolutionary, and clinical perspectives to examine the Pacini system — the body's subsonic vibratory perceptual system — and its relation to consciousness studies, music perception, and health and well-being. The Pacini system, while commonly overlooked, is structurally and functionally interlinked with various sensory, emotion, and pain processing pathways, and thereby modulates brain function and overall conscious experience. It also plays a key role in music perception, music stimulation, and treatments that rely on these, due to its sensitivity to lower ranges of the auditory system, including mid to low bass ranges. This paper presents a novel music stimulation treatment called High Amplitude Low Frequency Music Impulse Stimulation (HALF-MIS). HALF-MIS purposefully activates the Pacini system via subsonic and low-frequency vibrations, while also incorporating specifically designed, composed, and produced music that delivers an harmonic sonic experience. We will discuss results and potential mechanisms of action from case studies and ongoing clinical trials of HALF-MIS, which provide promising indications of its efficacy in reducing pain, depression, anxiety, and long COVID-19 symptoms.