Sound?it's all around us. We are constantly enveloped in it, bathed in it, irritated by it or soothed by it. Sound affects the body in countless ways! Since we are surrounded by sound, and because our ears never "turn off," it is easy to assume that we have no control over sound. The truth is, however, that we can choose and use sound in beneficial ways.
Sound is vibration. The human body is in a perpetual state of vibration. It follows logically, then, that external vibrations (sound) have an impact on the body. We can choose which vibrations we allow to influence our bodies. We can eliminate, or cancel out, the vibrations we don't want to absorb. We can do this by choosing sound (usually in the form of music) with which the body resonates, thereby creating a safe and comfortable environment.
The way in which the body is affected by sound can be explained through the principle of resonance. When an external force sets something else into motion, the natural vibratory rate is changed. In this case, when a human body is exposed to sound, the sound causes the body to vibrate at a rate that matches the frequency of the sound. If the sound is "feeding the body," this is a good thing. If the sound is disruptive to the body's functioning, the results are negative.
When the body resonates with sound, another process called entrainment takes place. Entrainment is an actual altering of body rhythms -- breathing, heart rate and brain waves. This is a very important point to understand. A positive change in body rhythms can be a powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction, concentration, focus, creativity and productivity.
On the physical level, as the music connects with and entrains the body's natural rhythms, the listener might notice reduction of muscle tension. The ensuing relaxation response could bring about a lessening of pain, regulation of blood pressure, improved coordination and/or an increase in immune system functioning.
On the mental level, music helps to calm internal chaos and allow clearer thinking. There might be an increase in creativity, productivity, improved communication and/or better focus and concentration. Music assists with memory and learning.
On the emotional level, music can help to free stuck energy or remove energy blocks. It helps the listener to get in touch with feelings and allows for expression of those feelings.
These observations make sense. We have noticed some of them on occasion. But how does one go about consciously choosing music to create the desired results? In recent years, this subject has reached mass consciousness. There are numerous books and CDs available for the purpose of creating a personal sound environment. As with most newly discovered (or rediscovered) fields, some of the products are superb and some are inferior. To choose music to produce a healthy personal sound environment, it is important to have some knowledge of what works and what does not. Here are some guidelines.
Some instruments seem to have a greater impact on specific areas of the body. Here are some examples:
* Bass and percussion instruments generally affect the lower body, legs and feet. They help us connects to our inner rhythms.
* Flutes, woodwinds, strings and piano music affect the mid-body and help us to be aware of our feelings.
* Harps, organs, pianos, and high string instruments resonate in the upper chest, throat and mouth to assist with developing more open communication. They help us to speak our own minds.
* Harps, organs, pianos, wind chimes and high string instruments affect the head, face, eyes and ears and stimulate imagination, creativity, clearer perceptions and higher consciousness.
It is, however, important to remember that your body and its needs are constantly changing. When choosing music to "feed your body," always select music that feels right and resonates with you at that moment in time. If it doesn't feel right, don't use it!
Another way to bathe yourself with nourishing sound is to make the sound yourself. Two very simple ways to do this are humming and toning.
* Humming moves the internal energy and charges (feeds) the brain. It can be done anywhere! Sit or stand with a straight spine, relax the face, touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth, keep the lips closed, and hum. You can hum one note or a tune, but sustained humming seems to be most effective. Give yourself five minutes to do this, and you will find that you are more relaxed, yet more energized.
* Toning moves the energy outside the body. It helps to restore the vibrational balance of the body. Sit or stand with a straight spine and relaxed body, open the mouth slightly and "sing" a vowel sound (ah, ih, oo, oh, ee or any other vowel sound). This is the basis of toning. Tone the sound at whatever pitch is comfortable, and don't be surprised if you feel like changing it as you go on. Play around with it. Practice a deeper inhalation so that your exhalation (tone) can be longer.
Good health is a matter of keeping our lives in equilibrium. Sound is an excellent addition to any fitness program or lifestyle because it can help to keep the body vibrating at its optimum frequency. Be informed. Choose carefully the sounds that affect your body and your life.
Sue E. Kelly, a Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master, operates Body Harmonics, where she offers Intuitive Massage and Reiki, combined with healing music. She holds a California Teaching Credential and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Her studies in the use of sound and music include: The Therapeutic Use Of Sacred Healing Music at the Open Ear Center in Bainbridge Island, WA; Listening With the Whole Body (Samonas?); and The Listening Program? (Advanced Brain Technologies). For more information, go to http://bodyharmonics.net. | |
