Sound therapy – “Music is for the soul”. The truth of these words has now been proven by the sound therapies.
The scientists are amazed at the discovery of some soothing sounds in our nature. Especially nowadays, when we are struggling with a lot of stress, this discovery is gaining more importance than ever. They found that slow melodies help reduce stress and anxiety. While fast songs can increase concentration and attention, the result on slow songs looks different. In sound therapy, body and mind find relaxation with slow rhythmic songs / sounds. This can be made possible by a piece of music or a special composition of natural sounds.
That stress physically and mentally puts a burden on us is known to anyone. But what exactly happens in our brain? Why is it harmful to be exposed to stress?
Chronic stress increases the stress hormone cortisol and affects many brain functions. The result is mood swings, forgetfulness and other mental issues. When the brain is stressed for an extended period of time, it signals the adrenaline to release adrenaline through the spinal cord. This process then triggers an increase in blood sugar, increases heart rate and blood pressure. Stress also causes the brain to influence the production of the stress hormone cortisol. So stress tells our body to release pressurized stress hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. Excess cortisol can also cause a number of physical health problems such as weight gain, osteoporosis, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, cancer, tension headaches and migraines, heart disease and diabetes.
In short, stress weakens our immune system and favours the penetration of possible diseases into our life’s nervous system.
So, to combat this health threat that affects the lives of millions of people, sound therapy is recommended as a natural way of calming our nerves and brains.
Cognitive scientists and researchers in music therapy are of the opinion that slower musical beats (rhythms) have the ability to alter the speed of the brain wave, inducing meditative or hypnotic state. According to them, this is probably the reason why so many cultures and religious services make ceremonial music an important part of important rituals. The same is true with some exercise patterns like yoga. Sound healers also say that listening to percussive instruments such as gongs, Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks destroys stress and possesses the ability to put the listener in a meditative state.
Many sound therapists have discovered some powerful, slow songs like “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Watermark” by Enya and “Weightless” by Marconi Union. The last one was praised especially by clay therapists. The piece was put together in collaboration with sound therapists. It has carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms and bass lines that help to slow a listener’s heart rate, lower blood pressure and lower the stress hormone cortisol.
source: World Economic Forum