Music is, and always has been, part of the human experience. As far back as humans have existed, we’ve used song, dance and melody to celebrate, mourn, praise, and relax. Even the basic working of our body has a rhythm and harmony that keeps us alive – the beat of our heart, the flow of blood in our veins, the choreography of muscles and limbs.
We are, quite simply, designed to have music in our lives.
In fact, it has been shown to use the same reward pathways as food, sex and drugs.
So, it’s no surprise that music can be a very powerful force for healing too. Neurologists have learnt that different beats and frequencies have incredible effects on our mind, body and soul. This is fantastic news because this can be used as a relatively passive, free way to ease problems like chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression; and to inspire creativity. There’s even evidence that music has helped to improve the saturation levels and organ function of premature babies in the NICU, and the brain function and creativity of intellectually disabled or brain-injured folk, and the elderly.
Sometimes, all it takes is a feelgood song when you’re frustrated with being stuck in traffic to turn your mood around. But, very often, you need something more intentional and effective to tackle deep-seated physical and emotional problems.
Use Music to…
- Reduce extreme anxiety and depression (when you need more than a soothing song, here are some fantastic therapeutic binaural beats for anxiety).
- Improve physical coordination.
- Give you an energy boost.
- Lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Improve the physical and cognitive function of those that have suffered strokes.
- Encourage creativity and productivity.
- Reduce cortisol levels.
- Improve sleep (listen to soft classical music for an hour before heading to bed or try to play some sleep-inducing binaural beats as white music).
- Calm rage and frustration.
- Improve learning.
- Improve memory.
- Reduce the symptoms of dementia.
- Assist intellectually disabled ones to express themselves somehow (whether through music, art or even speech and actions).
- Improve the efficiency of our organ function and immune system. This fascinating article discusses how music affects our immune system.
Because of so many of these benefits, beats and melodies can be an extremely beneficial for anyone on the autism spectrum.
Music Therapy
There are various ways to use music to tackle issues in our bodies and minds.
Listening to it – have you ever listened to a sad love song and suddenly felt nostalgic and melancholic? Or felt annoyed until a great dance song comes on and gets you singing along? When your negative disposition is simply a mood, the right song can turn it right around. This is a very mild approach that’s easy to implement. If you feel like this is a good way to handle your lows, create a playlist that you can access easily on your phone.
Singing and making it – sometimes, the act of singing and making music can be therapy in itself. Imagine banging on a set of drums when you’re angry, or gently strumming a tune on the guitar when you need a break from the stresses and strains of life. Even if you’re not “naturally musical”, you can still sing at the top of your lungs on your own or drum out a beat on your steering wheel.
Binaural beats – this style is also known as auditory illusions because it “tricks” your hearing. Binaural beats involve two different tones (one playing in each of your ears), both of which are under 1000Hz and each of which isn’t more than 30Hz different from the other. Your brain first interprets each beat separately, but then the tones gradually align with your brainwaves to create another beat with a different frequency.
Because our brains use electrical signals to create thoughts, behaviours, and emotions; changing the brainwaves and signals can be a powerful way to change our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.
A Warning
#Music is powerful and can have a significant influence on your mind and body. This means that malls and restaurants often use it strategically. Fast-food places may play styles that increases your tension, influencing you to eat faster and then leave so that they can seat more patrons. If you frequent places like this and are generally highly-strung, consider the possible influence of what is being played there. If necessary, wear earphones and play something that calms you.
Contact Us
Music is extremely powerful; and we believe in its ability to heal and help (and even harm when used incorrectly). Add supplements for a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing to ensure that you are taking control. We offer powerful products that are affordable and very effective in easing depressions and anxiety, boosting your energy, supporting your immune system, and helping with focus and sleep. To order, WhatsApp us on +27 72 621 7725 or have a look at our online shop and order directly via the website.
