Ever notice all the places you go where music is playing in the background? It can be the ever popular "elevator" music or "oldies" or even some classical or alternative stuff.
Music activates the brain's pleasure centers. This may help lower blood pressure; improve sleep; and
reduce pain, depression and anxiety. Massage therapists use it. Medical offices use it. Shopping
Malls use it. Even most surgeons have music playing in the operating rooms while they are performing surgery.
A 2006 Temple University study found that patients who played CDs during a colonoscopy needed less
anti-anxiety medicine than a control group. A Case Western Reserve study published in 2006 showed that adults with chronic joint and disc pain who listened to music for an hour a day reported 12 – 21
percent less pain. The type of music didn't seem to matter in either study.
So…when you think you need a pill for pain, or energy or depression….plug into your very own music
therapy. With today's IPODs and CD players it's easier than ever. Find out what type of music affects you in different ways.
Depressed? - listen to some happy music.
Need to get some work done around the house? – listen to your "get up and go" music.
Can't sleep? – how about something relaxing or the sound of a gentle summer rain.
Road rage? - find a channel on your radio that plays some soft jazz, classical or light rock, rather than heavy metal and loud.
Kids at home on a rainy day? – how about something loud and wild to drown them out?
You choose the sound that fits your mood. You'll be amazed at how well it changes your outlook.
