Music can heal people

Music, especially New Age music, is fast being recognized as a useful therapeutic tool for physical and mental well being.

We come across it in the mellifluous tunes of a classical concert or in the devotional strains of a bhajan, the wedding band, or the reaper in the fields breaking into song to express the joy of life. Even warbling in the bathroom gives us a happy start to the day.

Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.

Biology of Music

Music therapy is based on the associative and cognitive powers of the mind. Sound creates certain vibrations which are picked up and amplified by the human ear. These waves are then picked up by the sensory nerve going into the middle of the brain and redistributed throughout the neuron network to other parts of the brain to distinguish the pitch, tone, and frequency of that sound.

Music, like some other alternative therapies, must work through the mind. The chanting of certain mantras or choir chants create vibrations within the vocal cords, which move deeper through the whole body. These vibrations must be felt in totality for them to have any effect. Hence meditation techniques, whether they are eastern or western, always use chants or music.

Studies show that music helps to increase the serotonin and growth hormone levels as well as decrease the ACTH or stress hormonesdefine. Music can transport people from a Beta (waking) brain state to Alpha (deep meditative) brain state while remaining awake.

Music Helps

* Music therapy helped in treating many people with problems like dementia, dyslexia and trauma.

* Many children with learning disability and poor coordination have been able to learn respond to set pieces of music.

* Heart ailments, high or low blood pressure and respiratory problems are disorders brought about by physical disharmony. Music restores harmony and thus health.

* Music is a powerful aid to meditation.

* Music helps people get into certain mood.

* Resonate with the listener's feelings.

* Transform the negative into the positive.

* Promote a state of liveliness or serenity.

* Sensory stimulus that can work simultaneously on the body, mind, and spirit.

* Take the attention away from an unpleasant or unwanted situation.

* Reduce anxiety and pain.

* Used to affect physiological changes such as lowering of blood pressure, heart rate, lessening muscle tension, decreasing ACTH (stress hormones), and relieving nausea.

* Anxiety and stress reduction.

* Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort.

* Positive changes in mood and emotional states.

* Active and positive patient participation in treatment.

* Emotional intimacy with families and caregivers.

* Relaxation for the entire family.

* Meaningful time spent together in a positive, creative way.