Music to Heal
by Pankhuri Kapoor - April 13, 2009
Listening to your favorite music can actually do wonders for your body and soul. Its profound effect has been established beyond doubt.
Music therapy is widely used in western countries to cure chronic illness and even treat medical disorders. Research shows the body reacts to music because breathing, heartbeat and other physical functions follow an inherent rhythm.
Melodious music stimulates brainwaves. While fast beats make the mind more alert and sharp, slow music calms the brain and makes it relax. Around 30 to 60 minutes of music a day can lower pain and blood pressure. It has also been found to improve respiration rates.
How Music Changes Life
Music therapy can help tackle emotional, neurological and physical problems. It also helps cure many serious ailments and strengthens the effect of anesthesiadefine during surgery.
It allows people with emotional troubles to heal, be more optimistic and resolve differences. According to the Harvard Health Centre, music therapy simulates relaxation, eases anxiety, stress and depressiondefine.
Music reinforces communication, physical synchronization and also enahnces physical and cerebral performance of people suffering from neurological or developmental disorders.
Music therapy also improves the condition of incurable patients and augments health of the elderly suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It helps treat AIDS, stroke, Parkinson's disease and cancerdefine.
Hospitals use the therapy to scale down the need for medication during childbirth. It is also used to help ease the pain of chronic ailments such as headache. Disabilities of speech and hearing are other areas where music therapy can work.
Broadly, music can stabilize the heart rate, strengthen the immune systemdefine, lower blood pressure, energize the body, distract from pain and cut medications.
Music Therapy for Everyone
It is a well known fact that music significantly affects mood. Music persuades the nervous system to slow down the heart rate and bring the body to a tranquil state. A relaxed, well rested mind and body enhance health.
Listening to some good music every day can make a significant difference. Starting the day with some melody can also help us face the day better.
You can tune in on the way to work, while doing everyday chores or during mealtimes. This will keep you fresh and help you evade stressful thoughts.
Speaking of stress, music prompts the body to cut down on the production of cortisol, the stress hormone in the blood. This makes the body relax and absorb nutrients efficiently. It also makes you enjoy your food more.
Listening to soft music as you drift off to sleep at night acts as a lullaby that ensures you get the rest you need. It helps people with sleep disorders by calming their senses and giving them a peaceful sleep.
Music is a universal remedy for body, mind and soul. A relaxed body and mind will feel liberated from stress. So, let the music play!
Last edited by Sham Kamboj on May 4, 2009 - 15:23 | Write to author: Pankhuri Kapoor |
