Ancient to Modern
Ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle wrote about the healing value of music. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, spoke of music as a way to treat illness. Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Wagner, Mendelssohn and many other classical composers knew the healing value of their work. Research has shown music to be emotionally, physically and psychologically healing. Health conditions, both chronic and acute, have shown amazing improvement when doctor’s add music to their prescription list. An article in The Science of Sound Healing showed cancer cells becoming disorganized and exploding when placed next to specific vibrational sounds. Another research study with bone-marrow transplant patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center showed white blood cells returning two days sooner to the group who listened to soft music. Don Campbell, author the bestselling book, The Mozart Effect, designed a music system with 9,000 musical selections specifically programed for every section of Exempha Good Samaritan hospital.
The Science Behind the Theory
The first scientific paper on the healing value of music was written in the late 1700’s prior to having technology to record music. Musicians were brought into the laboratory so experiments could be conducted. Today we use neuroimaging technology to study how music affects all areas of the brain. Sound vibrations at specific levels or frequencies cause physical changes in the diseased part of the body to heal, by restoring the normal vibratory frequency. The vibrations from the sounds we hear touch every cell in our body. Medical conditions—from anxiety and high blood pressure to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s—have shown amazing results with sound healing. Patients that have been immobile for years get up and dance; others that have not recognized or spoken to a loved one will sing the words to their favorite song.
Incorporating Music into Your Life
In these challenging times incorporating music into your life is an easy, valuable tool. Music recorded at 80 beats per minute (bpm) will cause the body to relax. Upbeat music with a bpm of 100-130 will get you energized. Music bypasses the thinking brain, so plan ahead by creating a couple of play lists for when you need them. Create one with nature sounds or meditative type music (music without words) for relaxing, and another with uplifting music for when you need supercharged. Your Playlist Can Change Your Life is a great book that gives ideas on various music for dealing with different needs, although it is recommended you choose music you like. In my book Creative Journeys: The Healing Powers of the Expressive Arts, I have you begin every exercise with the same meditative piece of music.
I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to create your healing play list(s). Every civilization in history has used music to heal—now more than ever we need to add this ancient healing practice into our life.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato