Music is one of the few activities
that involves using the whole brain. It is intrinsic to all cultures and can
have surprising benefits not only for learning language, improving memory and
focusing attention, but also for physical coordination and development.
Of course, music can be distracting if it's too loud or too jarring, or if it
competes for our attention with what we're trying to do. But for the most part,
exposure to many kinds of music has beneficial effects:
1.Effective therapy for pain
Overall, music does have positive effects on pain management. Music can help
reduce both the sensation and distress of both chronic pain and postoperative
pain. Listening to music can reduce chronic pain from a range of painful
conditions, including osteoarthritis, disc problems and rheumatoid arthritis,
by up to 21% and depression by up to 25%, according to a paper in the latest
UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing. Music therapy is increasingly used in
hospitals to reduce the need for medication during childbirth, to decrease
postoperative pain and complement the use of anesthesia during surgery.
There are several theories about how music positively affects perceived pain:
- Music serves as a distractor
- Music may give the patient a sense of control
- Music causes the body to release endorphins to counteract pain
- Slow music relaxes person by slowing their breathing and heartbeat
2.Reducing blood pressure
By playing recordings of relaxing music every morning and evening, people with
high blood pressure can train themselves to lower their blood pressure - and
keep it low. According to research reported at the American Society of
Hypertension meeting in New Orleans, listening to just 30 minutes of classical,
Celtic or raga music every day may significantly reduce high blood pressure.
3.Medicine for the heart
Music is good for your heart. Research shows that it is musical tempo, rather
than style. Italian and British researchers32 recruited young men and women,
half of whom were trained musicians. The participants slipped on head phones
and listened to six styles of music, including rap and classical pieces, with
random two-minute pauses. As the participants kicked back and listened, the
researchers monitored their breathing, heart rates and blood pressure. The
participants had faster heart and breathing rates when they listened to lively
music. When the musical slowed, so did their heart and breathing rates. Some
results were surprising. During the musical pauses, heart and breathing rates
normalized or reached more optimal levels. Whether or not a person liked the
style of music did not matter. The tempo, or pace, of the music had the greatest
effect on relaxation.
4.Speeds Post-Stroke Recovery
A daily dose of one's favorite pop melodies, classical music or jazz can speed
recovery from debilitating strokes, according to the latest research. When
stroke patients in Finland listened to music for a couple of hours each day,
verbal memory and attention span improved significantly compared to patients
who received no musical stimulation, or who listened only to stories read out
loud, the study reports.
5.Chronic headaches & migraine
remedy
Music can help migraine and chronic headache sufferers reduce the intensity,
frequency, and duration of the headaches.
6.Music boosts immunity
Music can boost the immune function. Scientists explain that a particular type
of music can create a positive and profound emotional experience, which leads
to secretion of immune-boosting hormones. This helps contribute to a reduction
in the factors responsible for illness. Listening to music or singing can also
decrease levels of stress-related hormone cortisol. Higher levels of cortisol
can lead to a decreased immune response.
7.Music enhances intelligence,
learning and IQ
The idea that music makes you smarter received considerable attention from
scientists and the media. Listening to music or playing an instrument can
actually make you learn better. And research confirms this.
8.Music improves memory performance
The power of music to affect memory is quite intriguing. Mozart's music and
baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activates the left and
right brain. The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning
and retention of information. The information being studied activates the left
brain while the music activates the right brain. Also, activities which engage
both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or
singing, cause the brain to be more capable of processing information.
9.Music improves concentration and
attention
Easy listening music or relaxing classics improves the duration and intensity
of concentration in all age groups and ability levels. It's not clear what type
of music is better, or what kind of musical structure is necessary to help, but
many studies have shown significant effects.
10.Music improves body movement and coordination
Music reduces muscle tension and improves body movement and coordination. Music
may play an important role in developing, maintaining and restoring physical
functioning in the rehabilitation of persons with movement disorders.