Playing musical instruments involves complex muscle responses. Therefore, it’s only natural that children who practice for hours at a time demonstrate improved fine motor functions. In addition, the idea that instruments have a profound impact on those with special needs has ventured beyond mere theory. Studies on how playing a musical instrument effects the brain are still in their early stages, but research continues to uncover astounding, new data.

Playing A Musical Instrument Rewires the Brain

Brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to restructure itself) has sparked interest over the past few years, and the effects of playing musical instruments has been highly discussed by researchers. Studies have consistently shown correlations between seasoned musicians and changes in brain composition. Comparisons with the brains of non-musicians has drawn speculation about the role instruments play in improving and refining auditory processes. Brain functions used to decode sound and rhythms have a fundamental nature, which means they can be translated into practical tasks, such as memory and speech, according to many scientists. Researchers have also observed that musicians are more keen in detecting variations in language and can sense emotions just by hearing subtle changes in a speaker’s voice.

Playing A Musical Instrument Leads To Academic Improvement

Brain scans have discovered a possible relationship between musicians and the accumulation of myelin, which helps the brain transmit information faster and perform elaborate functions. In fact, the simultaneous employment of nearly every part of the brain might explain why a student who begins playing at an early age is more likely to excel in academics and develop advanced problem solving skills.

Playing A Musical Instrument Leads To Enhanced Muscle Memory

Muscle memory (aka being able to repeat a physical task without conscious effort) among musicians is thought to be well-developed, particularly in students who begin learning by the age of seven. This can be credited to the cerebellum’s involvement in grouping sophisticated sequences necessary for playing rhythms, scales and chords. Performing differs significantly from simply listening to music because it involves manipulation of sound, which neurologist believe contributes to improved memory skills over time.

The decision to begin a new process, especially one as challenging as learning to play an instrument, can be frightening for adults, but the long-term benefits are invaluable. Playing at any age can sharpen the brain and relieve stress. Children and even adults starting later in life can benefit from instructors who will nudge them through difficult periods in the learning process, which is why educators play such an important role in keeping music a vital part of our culture. For those passionate about working with developing musicians, we encourage you to start teaching as much as you can, as soon as you can. Start to share everything you know with anyone who shows interest, and get experience by volunteering at music schools, retirement homes, pre-schools and anywhere else where music is appreciated.

Have you experienced positive results by playing or seeing others play a musical instrument? Post your findings in the comments section below.

When we are sick or develop illness, our first instinct is usually to go to the doctor. While Western Medicine is a fantastic system, there are many cases where a doctor will prescribe a pharmaceutical medicine when natural alternative therapies would be equally or more effective.

Are medicinal drugs always the most effective treatment methods? Why haven’t we looked into other ways of treating our illnesses? There are patients who go through years of doctor’s visits—yet no matter how many medications they take, their conditions do not improve.

Here are ten alternative therapies that can help you or a loved one find the path to health. Each of these modalities is a vast field of knowledge that, when combined, can address nearly any possible health concern.

*Disclaimer: The information provided here is an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

1Nutrition

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”

-Hippocrates, “father of western medicine”

Used to treat: nearly all ailments

We are all familiar with nutritional healing: the basic idea of regulating our diet and food intake to promote overall health. This means having a sufficient intake of calories—but not too much—and consuming natural whole foods such as fruits and vegetables.

The Nutritional Research Foundation has compiled a number of case studies for patients suffering from different ailments, who have benefited from nutritional treatment. For example, a 32-year-old patient suffering from a facial rash and joint pain was diagnosed with lupus. She was prescribed medication and drugs. Instead, she decided to become treated with a high-nutrient diet and made a full recovery.

2Sound Healing and Music Therapy

Used to treat: stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping

Sound healing uses drone and rhythm to manipulate our brainwaves so that we are able to alter our state of consciousness and access states of relaxation, meditation, or sleep where healing can happen.

By helping us get in touch with the deeper, energetic part of our body, sound therapy has helps a number of issues, such as sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Jude Ponton, a Certified Acutonics Practitioner of the Senior Acutonics Faculty, presented a case study of a patient dubbed “L”, who suffered from stress and panic attacks. Facing chronic gynecological issues, sinus conditions and low kidney energy, a protocol of sound healing was developed to restore the patient to full health. By the end of six treatments, the client experienced regular sleep patterns, heightened energy, and overall decrease in stress levels.

3Reiki

Used to treat: mental and emotional pain, physical conditions

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that focuses on maintaining our life force energy at a high level, so that we are less likely to become sick or emotionally stressed. We conduct Reiki treatment by “laying hands”, and classes are taught all around the world to share hand positions for self-treatment as well as treating others.

Reiki can be used to heal mental or emotional pains, such as stress and anxiety, as well as physical conditions. Pooja Arora found herself in an accident that left her partially paralyzed, and was diagnosed to never walk again due to a broken neck. By utilizing the law of attraction and creative visualization, she made a slow recovery in about 5-6 years.

But then she relapsed and found herself hardly able to walk. It was at this point that she turned to alternatives. Reiki teacher taught her the art and how to start self-healing; after only a month, she was able to walk again and has been back at full health ever since. Pooja Arora is now a Reiki Master and helps guide others on the path, which brought her back to health.

4Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Used to treat: low energy, inner organ issues

Like the other healing techniques we have talked about, acupuncture targets our inner body energy flows, and how we can influence them to achieve better health. An ancient healing modality from China, acupuncture uses needle penetration at specific points in the skin to stimulate the body.

One of the most common ailments that acupuncture is used to treat is chronic migraines. A case from the US National Library of Medicine reports the story of a 32-year-old woman who had been suffering from migraines for 10 years. Using a combination of acupuncture, mixed with dietary modifications and Chinese herbal medicine, the patient was treated for 2 months. After this time, the patient reported pain reduction and migraine relief.

5Craniosacral Therapy

Used to treat: pain and tension in the body

Craniosacral therapy is similar to Reiki in the sense that it uses “laying hands” in a light-touch manner to balance your bones, nerves, fluids—essentially, all the parts in your craniosacral (skull and spine) system.

Like many of the other therapies mentioned here, craniosacral therapy gives the patient the ability to relax, let stress leave the body, and create harmony within the internal functioning systems. It can relieve both physical and mental conditions, such as anxiety and stress, migraines, muscle tension, and more.

Leah Mahadeao M.S., CCC-SLP reported a case of a boy with preschool stuttering. It was revealed through therapy that there was stress in his cranial base, as well as other medical complications. After a 5-month period of craniosacral therapy, as well as 12 weeks of speech therapy, the patient’s stuttering has stopped, with only a few symptoms present occasionally.

6Aromatherapy

Used to treat: physical pain, moodiness and low cognitive function.

Aromatherapy involves inhaling the scent of natural, essential oils to improve mental and physical health. This treatment is growing as each individual essential oil has a function or treatment. Pain reduction, stress management and improved brain function are a few of the most common conditions treated by aromatherapy.

Shining Sun Aromatherapy cites a number of testimonials from patients who have had success with this treatment method. These cases range from treating breast cancer diagnoses to working with hemorrhoids patients.

One example reports a 76-year-old woman who had a persistent cough. The treatment involved an inhaler (like the ones asthma patients might use), with lavendula latifolia (lavendar) oil. The patient experienced immediate chest relief, and the cough ceased after two days.

7Essential Oils

Used to treat: skin conditions, anxiety, stress, low energy, depression

Using essential oils for healing is very similar to aromatherapy in the sense that it calls for natural oils extracted from plant matter such as leaves, roots, or bark. These extracts are extremely potent, and can provide amazing healing benefits.

Depending on your ailment, different oils and administering methods can be used, such as lavender for wounds or oregano oil for the common cold. Researcher C. Blamey from the Oxford Radcliff NHS Hospital Trust reported a case of using essential oils to treat infected eczema. The patient had an itchy eczema patch on her leg, and five essential oils were used for treatment: tea tree, lemon, bergamot, naouli, and lavender.

After just over a week, the eczema patch looked much less irritated, and the infection was visibly relieved.

8Incense

Used to treat: mental blockages, impurities, restlessness

Many native people around the world use incense as a way to purify the space, send away negative energies and welcome in the good ones. Some of the most common indigenous incenses are copal, cedar, sage, palo santo, eucalyptus, and amber.

Though it is commonly used as an air freshener, incense comes with a number of healing powers. It aids concentration, creativity, increase motivation, and can help relieve tension, depression, headaches, insomnia, and more.

This is because our sense of smell is directed to nerve paths in our brain and other body systems; the smoke from incense also acts as a healing agent alternative to direct application to treat an infection or wound.

The University of Leicester conducted a study in which frankincense was showed to target ovarian cancer cells and kill them. Due to these encouraging results, it is now being investigated as an additional treatment to ovarian cancer.

9Color therapy

Used to treat: emotional issues such as depression, stress and anxiety

Color therapy utilizes the energy in color wavelengths to balance our inner energy levels and drive overall wellbeing. Each color in the spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), correlates with each of the energy centers in our bodies. The therapy can be administered through solarized water, light boxes, silks, etc.

Luna Online Home Studies reported a case of a client who was suffering from dental problems, which eventually led to heart palpitations. While the treatment could not act as dental care, color therapy was used to target her emotional and stress problems.

The patient was treated with her favorite colors—blue, teal greens, and purple. By the end of the treatment, the client stated that she felt stronger and more confident.

10Shamanic Healing

Used to treat: imbalances in the self, energetic blockages

Shamanic healing targets spiritual ailments. It focuses on soul retrieval (bringing back parts of the soul that have been lost) and removing energetic blockages. Revisiting traumatic events which have had a significant impact on the patient is one of the keys for healing in the shamanic tradition.

The US National Library of Medicine reports a case study of twenty-three middle-aged women in Oregon, diagnosed with TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders). Shamanic treatments including soul retrieval and meditation were performed on the patients to encourage healing. After each visit, the patient was asked to report a rating of their pain through questionnaires.

By the end of the treatment, pain levels and influence of the disease showed significant decrease. Follow-up investigation also showed that the therapeutic benefits lasted at least nine months following treatment.

 

As you can see, prescription drugs might not always be the answer.

Before you fill in that prescription the doctor gives you, try looking into other forms of treatment instead. If those pills and medications haven’t been working for you, it might be time for a change.

 

What alternative healing modalities have worked for you?  Share your story in the comments section below.

 

 

Author Bio

Jose Leon is a Reiki Master Teacher and Registered Massage Therapist based in Vancouver, BC. He has over 16 years of experience as an educator and practitioner of energy healing and healthy lifestyle living. Jose currently runs Reiki sessions and classes at his own practice, which you can learn more about on his website: https://joseleon-reiki-rmt.com

 

Autism is a brain disorder that affects over 20 million people worldwide and 1 out of every 68 children in the United States. Usually recognized by parents in the first two years of a newborn’s life, autism affects people of all ages and there is a great debate in the scientific community as to whether it stems from hereditary or environmental factors or both. For some people with autism music therapy has now been shown to be an effective treatment method, especially for children. This goal-oriented practice, in which therapists work with individuals or groups using musical expression, activates the memories, feelings and sensations it evokes. The sensory and intellectual stimulation activated by musical movement activates parts of the brain which otherwise may not be accessible.

Research conducted at Florida State University analyzed nine different studies and found that across the board individuals with autism respond positively to music, making it a promising therapeutic tool. For such individuals, music therapy can improve social behavior, reduce anxiety, increase communication attempts, improve body awareness and coordination and increase focus and attention.

What is Autism?

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors… ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art…Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. ” – Autism Speaks

This video shows how music therapists work directly with people with autism:

Music Encourages Social Interactions

A 2009 study by Kim, Wigram, & Gold found that children with autism show more emotional expression and social engagement during music therapy sessions and also respond to therapist’s requests more frequently. Music therapy facilitates social skills including sharing, taking turns, interacting appropriately with other children, and responding in an acceptable manner. Learning to listen and sing while gathering around a central instrument can improve social interactions for people with autism.

Music therapy can improve behavior

In looking at many cases of autism music therapy seems to have a positive effect on overall behavior, with the most improvement seen in inattentive behaviors. An hour-long session of music once a week can reduce restlessness, aggression and noisiness in children with autism. Thus improving the attention span including gaining and maintaining attention.

For Children With Autism Music Therapy Can Improve Communication

Many autistic children are nonverbal, have difficulty following verbal commands and are socially unaware of understanding body language. Wan et. al. found that music improves the mapping of sounds to actions by connecting the auditory and motor sections of the brain, which may help improve understanding of verbal commands. By combining music with action, and repetitive training, the pathways of the brain needed to speak can be reinforced. Music improves verbal skills including rate, volume and pacing of speech.

Music Therapy Can Reduce Anxiety

Autistic children are more sensitive to anxiety as they are unable to filter out provoking stimuli. Studies have found that patients who listened to rhythmic music for a period of time appeared to have decreased anxiety-related behaviors, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate movements. Classical music or music with a steady beat alleviates anxiety, builds frustration tolerance including the ability to adjust to changes in routine. For example, the sounds of classical music facilitate relaxation, improve focus and relieve stress.

Music is Fun

Music therapy is engaging and enjoyable for children with autism. It can bring about changes in social behavior and cognitive ability through repeated and prolonged sessions while children enjoy themselves. Listening to music, singing and watching others in the group stimulates and exercises many areas of the brain. Additionally, music therapy can help people with autism develop and improve motor skills such as balance, coordination, walking, orientation, grasping, use of the fingers and wrists, and making facial movements such as winking.

Autism is only one of many disorders for which music therapy has been shown to be effective. How have you seen music therapy to be effective for yourself or people you know?

Author Bio

Zyana Morris is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger who loves to write about prevailing trends. She is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry and currently blogging for 123Homecares, serving California with its best home care services.

Many of us like to listen to music while we commute, exercise or work. Music isn’t just a means of entertaining ourselves; it can also encourage our creativity and make us more productive. Some parents also believe that playing classical music to their unborn children helps boost productivity and intelligence. This so-called “Mozart Effect,” an enhancement in brain activity and focus when classical music is played in the background, has been shown to have a positive impact on both adults and children, according to studies published by The Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research, Science Daily and The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Learning and Indiviudal Differences, among others.

Why is classical music said to boost productivity?

An absence of words may be one factor, as songs containing lyrics can be a distraction when concentration is needed. In addition, classical music is frequently described as “relaxing, “calming” and “stress reducing” when compared to popular music. But could it actually have an effect on the brain, as people claim?

The first person to use the phrase “Mozart Effect” was French ear, nose and throat specialist Alfred Tomatis. Tomatis utilized corrective listening methods, often with the music of Mozart, to “redevelop the ear” and address a number of ailments including autism, dyslexia, schizophrenia and depression. Although some scientists oppose his methods, many believe that the “Tomatis Method” has a considerable effect on language learning capabilities. This suggests that listening to classical music could be a valuable tool for anyone who works with words, especially writers. Of notable importance, however, is to not to use excessive volume and to be mindful of tempo (the speed of music used). Relaxing music in the background is usually a more effective aid to concentration, whereas more dramatic pieces like Ride of the Valkyries could well prove a distraction and cause too much focus on the music itself, rather than on the work that needs to be done.

Here are a few selections you can use to boost productivity while working:

• Bach: Classical Music for Studying and Concentration
  
• Classical Music for Studying: Mozart, Beethoven, Bach Study Music Playlist for Better Concentration
  
• 6-Hour Mozart Piano Classical Music Studying Playlist: Great Beautiful Long Pieces 

Don Campbell has explored the idea of classical music as an aid to learning and therapy in a series of books titled “The Mozart Effect.” His belief is that music is a “powerful catalyst” for improving health and well-being, with the works of Mozart being the most effective and researched in this field. Therefore, if as a writer you find that inspiration is just not flowing, it is worth exploring whether or not the “Mozart Effect” works for you. Certainly, playing relaxing music while you write is unlikely to hinder your creative process, although it is important to choose the right music to accompany your writing time if you’re not going to be distracted.

Don Campbell’s “Music for the Mozart Effect” features a selection of classical music to play while you work. Here’s an hour of music from his album, “Music for the Mozart Effect: Volume 3, Unlock The Creative Spirit”:

The recent trend towards open-plan offices means that concentration can be difficult for many workers, so listening to music on headphones allows them to block out external noise. For the writer at home struggling to come up with ideas, music can be an effective way of shutting out distracting sounds. However, as mentioned above, the right choice of music (“relaxing, “calming” and “stress reducing”) has to be made if the desired productivity is to be achieved.

Not everyone believes in the “Mozart Effect”

In 2012-2013 a number of articles and studies were published at reputable universities (such as Yale and Harvard) attempting to disprove the “Mozart Effect.” These studies claim that teaching music to students has no effect on their performance in other school subjects and that playing background classical music results in no discernible increase in productivity. In fact, a publication in Yale Scientific claims that in attempting to recreate the study that led to the initial “Mozart Effect” craze, researchers were not able to replicate its findings. Researcher Samuel Mehr from the Harvard Graduate School of Education reviewed all the existing studies and found very little correlation between learning a musical instrument and getting better grades in school.

Despite the naysayers, we notice an increasing amount of writers sitting in cafes wearing headphones. If listening to classical music has the potential to allow you to use that writing time more effectively, it is certainly worth testing out the theory for yourself.

What music do you use to boost productivity for you or your children? Do you believe in the “Mozart Effect?” Write your response in the comments below.

Author Bio:

Kate Simpson remembers having a curiosity about the world from a very young age, and since then she hasn’t stopped learning and acquiring new knowledge. Currently she works for assignmentmasters writing service. Music is a vital part of every creative activity, so she’s eager to present great music samples and tips.