I have noticed that music affects my mood. Listening to music with an up beat causes me to want to dance–or, at the very least, give me the courage to do the dishes! However, the research on the actual physiological and psychosocial aspects of music were new to me.
Recently I learned that there are such places as music therapy clinics. Not an entirely new concept, since historical writings on the subject have been found from Egypt, China, India, Rome and Greece. Even in World War II, music therapy was used to help soldiers recover from mental injuries caused by the horrors of war.
Turns out, music has been used to lower blood pressure, improve memory, and trigger imagination and creativity. Music provides emotional release, communication and relaxation. It is said that music can “tranquilize the mind, by nourishing the heart.” Records of brainwaves have shown people are in a more balanced state after listening to music. Music therapy is also used for people with mental disorders like chronic depression and anxiety. Many hospitals use music in nurseries and for Alzheimer’s patients. Research has also shown that music can be much more effective than prescription drugs. Wow! Mozart has been a successful management tool for children with ADD and ADHD. To me the research is endless and very fascinating. Great music can indeed charge not only our mood but our lives.
I became aware of the power of music when my youngest son was born 7 weeks premature. At just over 5 lbs., I quickly learned that he would need some special care and possibly have some residual developmental delays. A caseworker came to our house as he grew to monitor his progress. He always scored well. Still, I was concerned that he could have some learning difficulties later on. After reading that students who played a musical instrument can increase memory, reading skills, physical development and score higher on tests, I wanted to make sure that I gave him every advantage. He may never pack Madison Square Garden, but I really believe exposure to music has helped him.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to surround myself with such great music. The design of which is meant to UPLIFT. We all need it. And more and more research shows that music not only influences the mind but also heals the body. What a concept!
So thanks so much for tuning in to your own personal “music clinic” here at YLDSR.com. We’ll keep playing music that not only makes you happy… it just might save your life : )
Talk to you soon,
Sherri Schatz
