We all know that music can change our mood. Research shows that music can also change our physiology.
As a violinist and collaborator on a lifetime of music projects, my deepest hope has always been that my music will bring joy and relaxation to listeners. It surprised me at first, and has since brought me great satisfaction, to learn that many healers, from Dr. Bernie Segal to Dr. Joan Borysenko, have used my musical interpretations to assist in relaxation and guided imagery.I'm therefore fascinated when I read the results of studies that push our boundaries of understanding our brains, stress, and the effects of music stimuli on mental states. There was a one-day symposium at Stanford University in May of 2006 that gathered ethnomusicologists, musicians, and scientists to discuss the human musical experience, and the exchange of ideas encouraged continued research. They exchanged information about the way music can affect physiological activities such as heartbeat and blood pressure, change brain function, and even be used to treat neurological conditions. When what we perceive meets how we react, stress results. In other words, you and I may react differently to the same experience; you might remain calm, I might become agitated. If stress builds up without relief, it can lead to many physical, psychological and emotional symptoms.Being able to identify your personal reactions that create stress, you can then begin to alter your responses. Music can help you make the necessary changes. We all know that music can help you to "feel good," but did you know that research has shown that this good can last far past the actual listening experience? It's true - music changes your brainwave activity levels and this also helps your brain accomplish this on its own.Music has been proven to support relaxation past the moments of listening to help individuals realize the health and wellness residing deep within themselves. Music has also been shown to help people prepare for surgery and heal faster. When patients listen to relaxing music, their breathing deepens, more oxygen is transported throughout the body, and there is a secretion of serotonin in the brain which stabilizes moods.One of the great benefits of music for stress relief is its versatility. You can listen to it in your leisure time and carry the benefits with you long after you've stopped listening, and you can also incorporate it into your daily life, thanks to mp3 technologies, without having to stop what you're doing.Music stimulates brainwaves to synchronize with the beat - a faster beat encourages alertness and concentration while a slower beat calms, relaxes and creates a meditative state. So depending on your needs, music can enhance every activity and balance every mood.
Daniel Kobialka is a world-renowned violinist and composer recording
independently on his own label, Li-sem Enterprises. Visit Musical
Inspirations to follow recent research that integrates psychology,
physiology, and Daniel's relaxing music for health and wellbeing.
