Music can be one of the most soothing or nerve wracking experiences available. Choosing what will work for any individual is difficult, most will choose something they 'like' instead of what might be beneficial. In doing extensive research on what any given piece of music produces in the physiological response system many unexpected things were found. Many of the so-called Meditation and Relaxation recordings actually produced adverse EEG patterns, just as bad as Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. The surprising thing was many selections of Celtic, Native American as well as various music containing loud drums or flute were extremely soothing. The most profound finding was Any music Performed Live and even at moderately loud volumes even if it was somewhat discordant had very a beneficial response. Whenever the proper sounds were experienced an amazing right/left brain hemisphere synchronization occurred. The normal voltage spiking pattern changed to a smooth sinusoidal waveform and the usual voltage differential equalized. The entire human energetic system is extremely influenced by sounds, the physical body and chakra centers respond specifically to certain tones and frequencies. Special consideration should be given to the positive effects of one actually playing or creating music themselves.

The Mozart Effect
In his book, The Mozart Effect, Don Campbell writes of music's many therapeutic uses (1997). Below are some of the associsations that Campbell makes to sound and health.

Music affects heartbeat, pulse, and blood pressure. Our heart responds to music and our heart rate speeds up or slows down to match the music we hear. The faster the music, the faster our heart will beat. Like slower breathing, lower heartbeat creates less stress and helps the body heal itself. A study done with university students found that, after exposure to loud rock music by the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and other similar bands, students had increased heart rate, breathed faster, and were less sensitive to skin stimuli. In another study, it was found that excessive noise can raise blood pressure as much as 10 percent. Conversely, blood pressure can be lowered by listening to music that averages between 44 & 55 hertz (p. 67-68).

Music affects breathing. By slowing the tempo (speed) of the music, you contribute to a significant calming effect. Music with longer, slower sounds deepens and slows the breath, calming the mind (p. 66-67).

Music masks unpleasant sounds and feelings. Campbell sites the experience of using music to calm patients undergoing a dentist's drill. Often, dentists will offer headphones to their patients, knowing that the effects of music can mask the harsh sounds of the drill and calm the patient (p. 65). Patients undergoing surgery frequently request calming music to be played in the operating room. When President Bill Clinton was having tendon repair, he requested his favorite country-western music because it lifted his spirits (p. 130).

Music slows down and equalizes brain waves. Brain waves vibrate at different speeds during different activities. The slower the brain waves, the more relaxed and peaceful we feel. Beta waves vibrate from 14-20 hertz. Beta waves occur when we have strong negative emotions, or when we focus on daily activities.

• Alpha waves cycle from 8 to 13 hertz during which we can have heightened awareness and calm.
• Theta waves cycle from 4-7 hertz and occur during periods of creativity, meditation, and sleep.
• Delta waves range from .5-3 hertz. Our brain produces this speed wave when we are in a deep sleep or meditation.

Music reduces muscle tension and improves body movement and coordination. When exercising in an aerobics or yoga class, we tend to move to the music. Researchers have found that exercisers match their movements to the rhythm and tempo of the music they hear played. The research indicated that those who listened to music while exercising had an increase in strength and overall attitude. Music therapy for children with severe physical and mental disabilities was found to reduce muscle tension and increase relaxation. In cases where movement is lost due to serious illness or accident, music is often used to aid in the recovery (p. 69).

Music increases endorphin levels. Endorphins, naturally occurring chemicals in our brain, gives us good feelings and helps to reduce pain. Biologists have discovered that the emotional richness of music can give people a sense of euphoria. According to Campbell, "The healing chemicals created by the joy and emotional richness in music (movie soundtracks, religious music, marching bands, and drumming ensembles) enable the body to create its own anesthetic and enhance the immune function" (p. 71). One study found that half of the expectant mothers who listened to music during childbirth did not require anesthesia because the music stimulated endorphin levels and provided a distraction from pain and anxiety (ME p 71).

Hospitals and clinics around the world use music therapy.

• A 1995 study found that surgeons listening to the music of their choice while operating had lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate and could perform mental tasks more quickly and accurately.
• Dr. Paul Robertson, a professor of music and psychiatry at Kingston University in Ontario, Canada, conducted studies that show that patients who are exposed to 15 minutes of soothing music require half the recommended doses of sedatives and anesthetic drugs for painful operations.
• At the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, harp music has been prescribed instead of tranquilizers and painkillers for cancer patients.
• At the University of Louisville School of Medicine, music with chants and tones has been used to aid a variety of clients and Alzheimer patients.
• The University of Oklahoma Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders has a Multisensory Sound Lab where deaf and hearing-impaired children are learn to hear. The Sound Lab has a floor containing an audio system amplifies sound and as a child sits on it, the floor transforms into vibrations that can be felt through the child’s body. There’s also light shows, and other displays that are sensitive to music, making this an intense experience that helps the children with development of speech, control of their voice, and an ability to hear (p. 132-133).

• To reduce stress, take a 15 to 30-minute "sound bath." Put some relaxing music on your stereo, lie in a comfortable position on a couch or on the floor near the speakers. For a deeper experience, you can wear headphones to focus your attention and to avoid distraction.
• Choose music with a slow rhythm that is slower than the natural heart beat of about 72 beats per minute.
• As the music plays, allow it to completely penetrate you, removing the stress from the day. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Concentrate on the silence between the notes in the music; this keeps you from analyzing the music and increases relaxation.
• If you’re tired and need stimulation after a long days work, listen to faster music rather than slow calming music.
• When the going gets tough, go for a music you are familiar with, such as a childhood favorite or favorite oldies. A sense of familiarity can create calmness.
• For the ultimate experience in sound therapy, use a program such as The Listening Program, proven to tone and improve the quality of both hearing and well being.

About the Author
Randi Fredricks is a Naturopathic Physician, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Clinical Herbalist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist Trainee and Registered Addiction Specialist. Dr. Fredricks runs her own natural health business counseling clients and health workshops. She can be reached by phone at 408-315-0645 or or you can contact her online. You may also visit her website at www.randifredricks.com.