Music with appropriate tempo, patterns, cadences, and sounds can activate the slowing DOWN of the autonomic nervous system. Part 4 of a 4-part article.
by Dr. Arthur Harvey
DOWN: One of the most significant implications for using music for a time like this, is the ability of music to help manage stress levels. In times of anxiety, threat, fear, and uncertainty, our body produces hormones that are available to energize us to fight or run away, producing what is known as the "Fight or Flight Response."
When we are stressed from perceived fears, chemicals are produced in the brain that activate the sympathetic response of our automatic nervous system. The ACTH is carried in the blood stream to the adrenal gland which produces adrenaline (also called epinephrine) which accelerates the heartbeat, increases blood pressure, inhibits digestions, inhibits salivation, dilates pupils, and most importantly for children, affects learning and memory.
Under extended periods of distress not only are cognitive functions affected, but emotions are often out of control, behavior becomes erratic, and the immune system loses its ability to fight disease. Because music can have a direct effect upon bodily functions, music with appropriate tempo, predictable patterns and cadences, clearly defined consonant resolution of tension produced by dissonance, and sounds that are neither significantly loud or high pitched, can activate the slowing DOWN of the autonomic nervous system.
The body responds to music that has a slower tempo and heartbeat will slow down, blood pressure will decrease, respiratory rate will decrease, digestion and salivation will be stimulated. Studies have shown that music can also have a positive effect upon the immune system.
In addition, music that has a slow tempo, soft dynamics, more consonance than dissonance, and an appropriate balance between low and high-pitched sounds, will change brain wave states, one of the prerequisites for initiating a relaxation response.
When individuals are anxious and stressed, the brain often stays in an active beta state, with brain waves 13-40 cycles per second. Relaxation occurs when the brain slows DOWN to an alpha state of 8-13 cycles per second, or even a high theta state of 6-7 cycles per second. Music with order and predictability can also slow DOWN the amount of "inner talk" that goes on in our minds, more under stress than when relaxed, as well as the extent of scattered and obsessive thinking.
For many individuals, playing of instrumental classics cuts DOWN on distractions and stress while studying, either serving to mask other sounds or keep the "right hemisphere" (the dominant side of the brain that responds to music in a majority of individuals), occupied as it seeks stimulation. For others, the process of making music releases "nervous energy" and slows DOWN the amount of body and mind activity often associated with stressful situations.
A number of relaxation approaches are enhanced when music is used as provided structure as well as integrates mind and body. These include both those that involve physical responses; progressive relaxation (tensing and relaxing muscles rhythmically from the toes to the head), stretching and breathing programs; and those that are primarily psychological, meditation, visualization, somatic focusing and guided imagery.
Parents and music educators have a powerful tool in music to help students, and themselves, deal with the mental and emotional impact of the recent terrorist attacks upon our country. Feelings and emotions that defy words, are often best expressed and communicated through the language of music.
The therapeutic power of music has been clearly evident in so many ways in the past months since September 11. While music is primarily taught by music educators for aesthetic and musical purposes, used by classroom teachers for functional purposes, presented by recording and performing artists for entertainment purposes, and utilized by churches for worship purposes, "for a time like this", I suggest that we acknowledge and utilize music's therapeutic and healing power to help make our schools, homes, and nation an emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually healthier place.
Pablo Casals said it well, "Music gives peace to the restless and comforts the sorrowful. They who no longer know where to turn find ways, and those who have despaired gain new confidence and love in music."
Part 1: The Importance of Music for a Time Like This
Part 2: Music Impacts all Parts of our Bodies
Part 3: The Positive Effect of Music
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