Whether singing in the shower, the car, with a choir or a small child, “sound therapy” is linked to health benefits for body and spirit. Since ancient times singing has been considered a healing tool especially chanting and we all know that countries have created national anthems to generate patriotism. Sound can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being by doing the following:
* Reduce stress and improve mood
* Lower your blood pressure
* Boost your immune system
* Improve breathing
* Reduce perceived pain
* Improve a sense of rhythm
* Promote learning in children
* Forge comforting memories
* Promote communal bonding
* Provide comfort
* Motivate and empower
Medical research
Ongoing research in alternative and complementary medicine is examining the healing role of singing regarding chronic pain management. Research published in the Journal of Music Therapy in 2004 claimed that group singing helped people to cope better with chronic pain. In many senior centers singing as a memory trigger is currently being studied, intellectually for slowing down mental decline and emotionally for building self-esteem. For example, Alzheimer’s patients who can no longer carry on a conversation are able to sing all the lyrics to songs from their past!
It all begins in infancy because singing to children presents a pathway in the brain for sensory stimulation. Not only does it set the stage for fun, but their brains are stimulated and open up to new sensations. And the best part is that you don’t have to have a good voice – they love the sound of your voice – what an ego booster!
Then of course you might be talented, take voice lessons and sing in a choir to earn professional kudos. In an impressive study, scientists from the University of Frankfurt in Germany tested the blood of people who sang in a professional choir before and after an hour long rehearsal of Mozart’s “Requiem.” Concentrations of immunoglobin A (antibodies) – and hydrocortisone (a stress-reducing hormone) increased during the rehearsal. In contrast, the following week when they asked members of the choir to listen to a recording of the “Requiem” without singing, they found the composition of their blood did not change significantly. The conclusion: singing boosts the immune system while it reduces stress.
The take home message: Listening to music is great, but singing makes you an active participant. We are so stressed with busyness that we hardly sing with friends or with our children. The next time you feel tense, worried or afraid, try singing a happy tune. You will note that your mood and performance will improve. Bonus: You don’t have to have a professional sounding voice.
I couldn't agree more. I think singing is a grand idea; I especially like singing when I am in my car. It relieves the stress of freeway/traffic driving and makes it almost enjoyable. I'm here to sing!
Thanks for such a great tips. Stress is a disorder which certainly give a negative effects to our health. Thus, following the tips will help to lighten the stress and anxieties that we had.Did you know that the Gibson Guitar Corporation doesn't bestow a replica copy on just anyone, and Jeff Beck would certainly deserve it. Jeff Beck got his start like many others, playing sessions, until he was hired by the Yardbirds to replace none other than Eric Clapton. He played lead guitar, eventually leaving and was replaced in turn by Jimmy Page. Gibson has created a replica copy of Jeff Beck's Oxblood Les Paul