[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Power of Music
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Healing Power of Music
Music--Can You Feel the Beat?
Music can heal. It can release tension. Music explains what feelings sound like. The type of music we listen to is a reflection of the emotions within us. Our favorite music offers others a glimpse into our soul. It can enhance creativity and help in therapeutic sessions. Music may even increase SAT scores.
Music and rhythm find their way
into the secret places of the soul.
--Plato
The positive effects of music are well-documented as are the negative effects. It seems to be the content (words) of the music that is being listened to as well as the volume that determines whether the effects are positive or negative.
According to Peg Verone (1998) music can do much more than previously realized. Listening to Mozart for ten minutes before an IQ test increased student scores by nine points in one recent study. Music may also make you healthier, ease pain, and help you to lose weight. The article reports that Elizabeth Miles feels that musical training at an early age may develop more brainpower that will last a lifetime. While the cortex of the brain is still ‘plastic’ music seems to have an even more powerful effect.
Don Campbell (1997) has researched the physical, emotional and spiritual effects of music upon the human body for many years. He is convinced that music affects every cell and tissue within the body structure. The faster the music, the faster the heart will beat and the more tension, stress and energy may be created. The slower the music, the lower the heartbeat which creates less tension and stress. (Studies show that music can lower the chemicals that create stress, while increasing the amount of endorphins, chemicals that keep you happy.) Excessive noise may also trigger the fight-or-flight response that releases adrenaline and norepinephrine, which speed up the heart and strain blood vessels.
Loud pounding music can be destructive to the ear. (Many rock musicians wear earplugs when they perform.) But it is through this high volume, pulsating music that many adolescents find an emotional release. Teenagers seem to be drawn to music that will irritate their parents. This is a normal phenomenon. The more repressed emotions an adolescent has the louder and wilder her choice of music may be. Any easy solution is to suggest that headphones be used. Although headphones seem to be an appropriate compromise, they can be dangerous.
Don Campbell explains that especially while jogging or exercising, the body pumps extra blood to your arms and legs leaving the lining of the inner ears unprotected. Headphones transmit low-frequency sounds and can contribute to ringing in the ears, and eventual hearing loss. Campbell suggests using headphones for short periods of time and only on low volume especially when involved in physical activity, including dancing. He also states that padded headphones are less damaging than the ones that fit directly into the ear.
Page 1 Page 2
Click here to visit www.teachingingwithwisdom.com
Click here to visit www.healingingwithwisdom.com
[an error occurred while processing this directive]