Classical Music Therapy
Music, more than entertainment, has played an instrumental role in healing and harmonizing the mind, body and spirit. For thousands of years, the Vedic culture has used sound and music for body and mind balancing, health enhancement, healing promotion and encouragement of heightened awareness. The Greek mathematician, Pythagoras theorized that music diminished and even eradicated negative energy and emotions. Modern studies explicitly show that specific sounds and music do in fact, have documented, measurable and multiple healing benefits. Today's medicine understands that all bodily functions, like breathing and pulse, work cyclically and rhythmically. It is these rhythms that are influenced and synchronized with certain music and sound patterns.
Music therapy, my favorite being classical, has become widly recognized since the early 1950s. Used for pain, migraines, cancer, stress, upset stomach, fatigue, depression and other, multiple disorders; music therapy can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, stress and anxiety. Most recently, music has been found to bolster the immune system and assists in harmonizing the symmetries in right and left frontal lobes of the brain, (in the case of mental disorders).
The most interesting of studies in music therapy is that of an experiment conducted years ago. The music experiment compared the effects of classical music to rock and roll music on plant growth. Intriguingly, the classical music helped the plants to grow faster; whereas the rock music actually deteriorated the plant's growth. Similarly, classical music has the same effect on humans as it does on plants. Amazingly, patients who listened to Mozart had a whopping 10-15 point increase in IQ. Given this information, it might encourage one to go out and buy the latest Beethoven on compact disc. Today, one doesn't have to attend an orchestrated concert to hear it. Most outlet stores, even Internet stores sell classical music to the general public.
I realize that many persons listen to fad music, pop, country or rock, but I used to be one of those people; before I dove into classical music firsthand. The most profound effects of classical music, that I have personally discovered, is the phenomenal reduction of heart rate and respiratory rate it induces. When listening to classical music, I am "lifted" in spirit, mind and body. Like a feather takes to the sky, I feel freer, more relaxed and in tune with my higher self. Perhaps, if you get a chance, take a fifteen minute break from life. Pick up Mozart, Beethoven or some other classical music CD, pop it in your stereo, close your eyes and let the music set you free!