What a precious gift God has given us in music! Not only is music enjoyable but it can soothe, calm, lighten, encourage, motivate, inspire and in my opinion; promote healing. And it is certainly apart of my healing protocol.
Music is a powerful expression and is uniquely able to do what nothing else can. It's been said that music is what feelings sound like. It has also been said that music speaks when words cannot. I believe this is true. It often moves us in emotion and can evoke memories. Music can have stress, anxiety and pain reducing effects as well. And there are numerous scholarly articles and studies that document the therapeutic and biological effects of music, specifically on our nervous, immune and endocrine systems. This is particularly interesting to me as I work to heal from Chronic Lyme and subsequent co-infections.
Music is a powerful expression and is uniquely able to do what nothing else can. It's been said that music is what feelings sound like. It has also been said that music speaks when words cannot. I believe this is true. It often moves us in emotion and can evoke memories. Music can have stress, anxiety and pain reducing effects as well. And there are numerous scholarly articles and studies that document the therapeutic and biological effects of music, specifically on our nervous, immune and endocrine systems. This is particularly interesting to me as I work to heal from Chronic Lyme and subsequent co-infections.
Quantum Physics tells us that healthy cells vibrate in the body at a much higher frequency than cells that are unhealthy or toxic. I believe the vibrational frequencies within musical notes resonate with and influence the frequency that our cells vibrate at. In other words, it is possible to change the vibrational frequency of our cells through music (as through other modalities as well). This can have a positive effect on us or a negative one. If we listen to music (lyrics included) that is dark, negative, derogatory or harsh then it can impact us and our cells in that same unhealthy way. Equally, if we listen to music that is soothing, encouraging, uplifting, motivating or healing it can impact our cells in this way as well.
Melinda Bargreen, Music Reporter for the Seattle Times, wrote an interesting article in 2001 entitled, Classical Muisc Lovers May Indeed Have More Brains. In it she states: "Brain research suggests that playing Mozart, that same composer responsible for the much-touted "Mozart Effect," in which performance on certain aspects of IQ tests was improved following exposure to his music" can also have a beneficial effect on epilepsy patients. John Jenkins of the University of London has found that playing "short bursts of Mozart's Sonata K.448" (the D Major Sonata for Two Pianos) decreases epileptic attacks. Other studies suggest that Mozart also has a beneficial effect on coma patients.
Educators have long observed the benefits of early musical training on school performance and various studies have shown that some areas of the brain are enlarged among those whose "perfect pitch" facility is revealed in that early training.
More recently, the American Academy of Neurology has released the results of a study that found "significant differences" in the gray-matter distribution between professional musicians trained at an early age and nonmusicians. The musicians in the study had more relative gray-matter volume in five regions of the brain, and "pronounced differences in the cerebellum bilaterally." http://www.rense.com/general12/morebrains.htm
There are myriad Scriptures in the Bible that reference music. It was used in biblical times to celebrate, exhort, and comfort. 1 Samuel 16:23 says, "And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled King Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better and the tormenting spirit would go away." Music was also frequently used in praise and worship to God during the Jewish Feasts and also in celebration of marriages and battle victories. So it is today. Music is apart of our everyday lives, i.e. weddings, funerals, holidays, concerts, graduations, birthday parties, church services. And we, too, use music as an expression of our gratitude, praise and worship to the Lord.
More recently, the American Academy of Neurology has released the results of a study that found "significant differences" in the gray-matter distribution between professional musicians trained at an early age and nonmusicians. The musicians in the study had more relative gray-matter volume in five regions of the brain, and "pronounced differences in the cerebellum bilaterally." http://www.rense.com/general12/morebrains.htm
There are myriad Scriptures in the Bible that reference music. It was used in biblical times to celebrate, exhort, and comfort. 1 Samuel 16:23 says, "And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled King Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better and the tormenting spirit would go away." Music was also frequently used in praise and worship to God during the Jewish Feasts and also in celebration of marriages and battle victories. So it is today. Music is apart of our everyday lives, i.e. weddings, funerals, holidays, concerts, graduations, birthday parties, church services. And we, too, use music as an expression of our gratitude, praise and worship to the Lord.
Most likely, we've all experienced some kind of positive effect from music in one form or fashion. I listen to music most everyday unless I'm feeling really bad but even then; I'll often listen to soothing instrumentals or soft classical. My iPod is loaded with playlists to aid me in my Lyme treatment. Some days I need songs that spark motivation; other days I need songs that comfort and speak hope to my heart. Whatever it is, I can attest that music has been very therapeutic for me throughout my life and most certainly now during this treatment protocol. I think it's a wonderful adjunct therapy for anyone whose working towards healing and wellness.
Copyright © 2011 Michelle Holderman
Photos: Favim.com
Photos: Favim.com
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