Nov
20
Filed Under Alternative Medicine | Leave a Comment
Trevor Mayes asked:
Sound is the oldest form of healing and of that, it is the sound of the mother’s voice that is the most important. Sony conducted research in the 80’s that showed sounds played to babies while in the womb influenced their behaviour. It has been proven that like animals human babies can detect their mother’s voice from other females and there is evidence that they can do this in the womb too. Other research has shown that babies can remember and recognise sounds from the womb a year after birth.
The Colour of Music
Each colour has a corresponding musical keynote that in turn resonates with the respective chakra and as follows.
Colour / Keynote / Chakra
Red = C = Base.
Orange = D = Sacral.
Yellow = E = Solar-Plexus.
Green = F = Hear .
Blue = G = Throat.
Indigo = A = Brow.
Violet = B = Crown.
Resonance
Forced resonance or vibration is simply caused by one vibrating object forcing another in close proximity to vibrate though sheer power even though it may have a different natural frequency. This can have a detrimental effect upon us things like loud poor quality music which makes me cringe is guaranteed to make me feel aggressive and flee the area or demand it be turned down. Similar oppressive vibrations from people forcing issues can have the same effect with the same result. That is why noise pollution can lead to physical violence.
Sympathetic resonance is the projection of sound vibrations that cause another object to vibrate as it has the same frequency, singers breaking glasses in one example, as is metal vibrating to heavy bass sounds. We can experience a sympathetic resonance in our bodies in areas that have a similar vibrational frequency. Playing music of the corresponding colour can have the same effect as the colour itself as it resonates with the respective chakra frequency.
For example, I was playing Michael Bolton’s Drift Away holding the record sleeve and noticed it vibrated soon after the he started singing. I found the same thing happened with glossy paper so I analysed the keynote that was F#3 as there are I believe 6 sharps and 3 is obviously the middle one. I analysed Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Emily Wherever I May Find Her’ and the same thing happened the glossy paper vibrated, I analysed it and it was F#4 almost identical. On both occasions, I could feel the music as being relaxing and a slight feeling in the chest as green relates to the heart chakra, I was not sure if holding the paper increased the feeling I had. The paper obviously vibrated more strongly the closer I held it to the speaker and may be a sort of litmus test for the keynote of F#.F# covers much of Simon and Garfunkel which I enjoy but I cannot say is my favourite it very much depends on my mood. I sometimes like rock most of which is C or C#, which gives me a lift. To help me settle down to study I have found strings helpful especially air on a G string in the keynote of D which is orange and a feel good colour Sometimes the clue to any ailment can come from the opposite star sign that have very similar keynotes. Therefore, as a Gemini I am F #, a Sagittarius is natural F, and the forces of these two opposites can sometimes mingle in the body.
Your Natural Sound Frequency
We all have a natural sound frequency; the simplest way of finding it is by looking at the keynote of your star sign.
Star Sign / Keynote
Aries = D-flat major.
Taurus = E-flat major.
Gemini = F-sharp major.
Cancer = G-sharp major.
Leo = A-sharp major.
Virgo = C-major.
Libra = D-major.
Scorpio = E-major.
Sagittarius = F-major.
Capricorn = G-major.
Aquarius = A-major.
Pisces = B-major.
When under pressure our physical body pull on the subtle bodies leaving them weakened and vulnerable to attack. We no longer have the energy to tolerate normal pressures or disturbances to our system, so be become more aware and less tolerant of the things that we find stressful or hurtful. Noise also causes interference and distortion with our ability to communicate effectively, hence mixed messages and misunderstandings arise that can cause conflict.
While this is not ‘music therapy’ per see studies published in medical and musical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Lancet and the Journal of Music Therapy are finding that music can; reduce blood pressure, improve immune function, and decrease the length of hospital stays for both children and adults.
Rhythm.
Rhythm is what gets or primal energies and instincts going, it stimulates the heart and flow of blood that may account for the expression rhythm of life. Ancient peoples have not only used the drum and dance to wind themselves up before battle but also as a form of healing to stimulate the base chakra which is coloured red.
Using rhythm for healing can be a group activity as there are what is know as drum circles which is simply a group of people making rhythmic music. Drum circles are becoming a popular form of complimentary healing in America and scientific research has proven that participating in drum circles increases the number of “killer cells” in the body. These cells are those responsible for seeking out and destroying specific disease organisms including AIDS.
The Healing Value Of Melody
Melodies can soothe emotional and mental distress for when the normal vibrational activity of certain body parts is disrupted disharmony or disease sets in. Research suggests music seems to override the disharmony in the brain that causes depression and other forms of emotional disorders and puts it back to where it should be. It helps discharge negative feelings, facilitates communication and increases socialisation with other people. This results in greater personal expression with resulting boost in self-esteem
The medical benefits include use for the pain relief of cancer patients and behaviour problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease, a reduction in blood pressure, improved immune system functioning and faster healing resulting in a shorter stay in hospital. Melody is helpful for doing repetitive bodily functions where timing is important.
Musical Notes That Are Good For Emotional Healing.
Whereas C# is the keynote of the earths orbit around the sun, F# is the keynote of the spin of the earth and relates to what makes us humans the dominant species; the power of the mind and the attainment of intelligence, however with this ability comes problems from emotional disturbance to mental illness. The keynote F# relates to the air signs Gemini and Sagittarius that are F# and F respectively and sometimes these opposites are intermingled.
With analysing keynotes, this can change from F to F# according to how the music is analysed so for this purpose I suggest that there can be some allowable variation in keynotes to have the same effect. Therefore, a keynote on this scale should be aimed for as being best for any sort of emotional imbalance and healing.
The other thing I have noticed while playing around with traditional Japanese music for a website, is that stereo enhancement and adding a slight echo to string music has a very pleasant emotional effect. Perhaps it is because it causes addition sympathetic resonance of the keynote but it does work better for me than the original music, although on poor quality speakers it can sound a bit tinny. Tempo is another consideration and something not to fast otherwise we miss the detail in the music and that brings me to make the point as a bit of an audiophile that good audio reproduction is an essential part of the healing process.
Instruments for the reproduction of F keynotes are stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, harps, piano, and the organ. The types of music are the folk rock of Simon and Garfunkel’s, rhythmic folk music, Irish folk songs, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Strauss’s waltzes, Brahms Hungarian Dances or any stringed classical music in the key of F to F#.
© Trevor Mayes
ADRIAN
Sound is the oldest form of healing and of that, it is the sound of the mother’s voice that is the most important. Sony conducted research in the 80’s that showed sounds played to babies while in the womb influenced their behaviour. It has been proven that like animals human babies can detect their mother’s voice from other females and there is evidence that they can do this in the womb too. Other research has shown that babies can remember and recognise sounds from the womb a year after birth.
The Colour of Music
Each colour has a corresponding musical keynote that in turn resonates with the respective chakra and as follows.
Colour / Keynote / Chakra
Red = C = Base.
Orange = D = Sacral.
Yellow = E = Solar-Plexus.
Green = F = Hear .
Blue = G = Throat.
Indigo = A = Brow.
Violet = B = Crown.
Resonance
Forced resonance or vibration is simply caused by one vibrating object forcing another in close proximity to vibrate though sheer power even though it may have a different natural frequency. This can have a detrimental effect upon us things like loud poor quality music which makes me cringe is guaranteed to make me feel aggressive and flee the area or demand it be turned down. Similar oppressive vibrations from people forcing issues can have the same effect with the same result. That is why noise pollution can lead to physical violence.
Sympathetic resonance is the projection of sound vibrations that cause another object to vibrate as it has the same frequency, singers breaking glasses in one example, as is metal vibrating to heavy bass sounds. We can experience a sympathetic resonance in our bodies in areas that have a similar vibrational frequency. Playing music of the corresponding colour can have the same effect as the colour itself as it resonates with the respective chakra frequency.
For example, I was playing Michael Bolton’s Drift Away holding the record sleeve and noticed it vibrated soon after the he started singing. I found the same thing happened with glossy paper so I analysed the keynote that was F#3 as there are I believe 6 sharps and 3 is obviously the middle one. I analysed Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Emily Wherever I May Find Her’ and the same thing happened the glossy paper vibrated, I analysed it and it was F#4 almost identical. On both occasions, I could feel the music as being relaxing and a slight feeling in the chest as green relates to the heart chakra, I was not sure if holding the paper increased the feeling I had. The paper obviously vibrated more strongly the closer I held it to the speaker and may be a sort of litmus test for the keynote of F#.F# covers much of Simon and Garfunkel which I enjoy but I cannot say is my favourite it very much depends on my mood. I sometimes like rock most of which is C or C#, which gives me a lift. To help me settle down to study I have found strings helpful especially air on a G string in the keynote of D which is orange and a feel good colour Sometimes the clue to any ailment can come from the opposite star sign that have very similar keynotes. Therefore, as a Gemini I am F #, a Sagittarius is natural F, and the forces of these two opposites can sometimes mingle in the body.
Your Natural Sound Frequency
We all have a natural sound frequency; the simplest way of finding it is by looking at the keynote of your star sign.
Star Sign / Keynote
Aries = D-flat major.
Taurus = E-flat major.
Gemini = F-sharp major.
Cancer = G-sharp major.
Leo = A-sharp major.
Virgo = C-major.
Libra = D-major.
Scorpio = E-major.
Sagittarius = F-major.
Capricorn = G-major.
Aquarius = A-major.
Pisces = B-major.
When under pressure our physical body pull on the subtle bodies leaving them weakened and vulnerable to attack. We no longer have the energy to tolerate normal pressures or disturbances to our system, so be become more aware and less tolerant of the things that we find stressful or hurtful. Noise also causes interference and distortion with our ability to communicate effectively, hence mixed messages and misunderstandings arise that can cause conflict.
While this is not ‘music therapy’ per see studies published in medical and musical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Lancet and the Journal of Music Therapy are finding that music can; reduce blood pressure, improve immune function, and decrease the length of hospital stays for both children and adults.
Rhythm.
Rhythm is what gets or primal energies and instincts going, it stimulates the heart and flow of blood that may account for the expression rhythm of life. Ancient peoples have not only used the drum and dance to wind themselves up before battle but also as a form of healing to stimulate the base chakra which is coloured red.
Using rhythm for healing can be a group activity as there are what is know as drum circles which is simply a group of people making rhythmic music. Drum circles are becoming a popular form of complimentary healing in America and scientific research has proven that participating in drum circles increases the number of “killer cells” in the body. These cells are those responsible for seeking out and destroying specific disease organisms including AIDS.
The Healing Value Of Melody
Melodies can soothe emotional and mental distress for when the normal vibrational activity of certain body parts is disrupted disharmony or disease sets in. Research suggests music seems to override the disharmony in the brain that causes depression and other forms of emotional disorders and puts it back to where it should be. It helps discharge negative feelings, facilitates communication and increases socialisation with other people. This results in greater personal expression with resulting boost in self-esteem
The medical benefits include use for the pain relief of cancer patients and behaviour problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease, a reduction in blood pressure, improved immune system functioning and faster healing resulting in a shorter stay in hospital. Melody is helpful for doing repetitive bodily functions where timing is important.
Musical Notes That Are Good For Emotional Healing.
Whereas C# is the keynote of the earths orbit around the sun, F# is the keynote of the spin of the earth and relates to what makes us humans the dominant species; the power of the mind and the attainment of intelligence, however with this ability comes problems from emotional disturbance to mental illness. The keynote F# relates to the air signs Gemini and Sagittarius that are F# and F respectively and sometimes these opposites are intermingled.
With analysing keynotes, this can change from F to F# according to how the music is analysed so for this purpose I suggest that there can be some allowable variation in keynotes to have the same effect. Therefore, a keynote on this scale should be aimed for as being best for any sort of emotional imbalance and healing.
The other thing I have noticed while playing around with traditional Japanese music for a website, is that stereo enhancement and adding a slight echo to string music has a very pleasant emotional effect. Perhaps it is because it causes addition sympathetic resonance of the keynote but it does work better for me than the original music, although on poor quality speakers it can sound a bit tinny. Tempo is another consideration and something not to fast otherwise we miss the detail in the music and that brings me to make the point as a bit of an audiophile that good audio reproduction is an essential part of the healing process.
Instruments for the reproduction of F keynotes are stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, harps, piano, and the organ. The types of music are the folk rock of Simon and Garfunkel’s, rhythmic folk music, Irish folk songs, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Strauss’s waltzes, Brahms Hungarian Dances or any stringed classical music in the key of F to F#.
© Trevor Mayes
ADRIAN
Sep
30
Filed Under Alternative Medicine | Leave a Comment
Nymph Kellerman asked:
“We trust that the magic of sound, scientifically applied, will contribute in ever greater measure to the relief of human suffering, to a higher development and a richer integration of the human personality, to the harmonious synthesis of all human “notes” of all “group chords and melodies” - until there will be the greater symphony of the One Humanity.”
Roberto Assagioli M.D.
Music can be employed as assistance in obtaining physical, emotional and spiritual health. During the first half of the nineties, I investigated the therapeutic consequences of distinct types of music on patients under adequate anaesthesia. This investigation was done in Johannesburg at the Garden City Clinic, over a period of four years (1991-1995), with statistics done at the Witwatersrand university, by dr. Jackie Galpin.
Data available on investigations done to test the therapeutic benefits of music, would fill a library of its own. That was not what was done. The effect of music with a known therapeutic value, was investigated on patients under adequate anaesthesia - testing for reduction in pain levels and a shorter recovery period. It is an accepted dictum in psychology that people in a deep sleep, coma or under anaesthesia can hear (not remember). That the auditory pathways up to the auditory cortex actually remain open and untouched by anaesthesia. That you can talk to people in a coma or undergoing surgery, and that the body would respond to whatever was said. In many hospitals, positive suggestions are given to patients in a coma and on the operating table. The capital aim of the project was to test music to serve as a credible alternative for the positive verbal suggestions.
Music has powerful effects on people, whether they are educated in music or not. Wertheim (1961) states that “muscle perception and performance is an inborn capacity of the human brain. This ability is common among human beings and is independent of education or culture…..” This makes the application of music as a therapy, or music as an aid to any other therapy, very simple.
Science, Medicine and Anthropology have completed many years of investigation on the effect of music on the physical body. As early as 1830, articles were published by J. Dogiel, which outlined experiments done to affirm music’s dynamic effect on the body. Absolute physiological reactions were established, and amongst other things, it was proved that music act on the circulation of blood, and can cause blood pressure to rise and fall. According to this, these alternations of pressure rely mainly on the influence which auditory stimulation has on the medulla oblongata and the auditory nerve.
During the first half of the previous century, many investigators throughout Europe agreed that music increases metabolism in a very adequate way, and that it changes muscular energy and enhances respiration.
The positive effects of music on physical and psychological health are truly widespread. In an article on music as cause of disease and healing agent, Assagioli (1965) states that “through its influence upon the subconscious, music can have a still more definite and specific healing effect of a psychoanalytic character. If of an appropriate kind, it can help in eliminating repression and resistance and bring into the field of waking consciousness many drives, emotions and complexes which were creating difficulties in the subconscious”.
It is known that certain kinds of music have the ability to reduce pain, whether it is physical or emotional. Scarantino (1987) states that “Pythagoras of Samos taught his students that certain musical sequences, chords and melodies produced definite responses in the human organism, and could change behaviour patterns that accelerated healing processes”
In a further discussion Scarantino states “In the 1970’s, Bulgarian researchers, under the direction of Dr. Georgi Lazanov, discovered a holistic approach to learning, that allows the body and mind to work in harmony through the linking of music and verbal suggestions…. While listening to largo movements from works of Baroque era composers, with tempos slower than the average heartbeat (sixty beats per minute or slower), the vital signs of test subjects slows down in rhythm with the music, relaxing them physically but leaving their minds alert for the assimilation of information. When the various educational data was presented to the students while the music played in the background, the students experienced significant increases in awareness and retention of information and a whole repertoire of health benefits, including relief from pain and headaches…..”
Relief of physical pain and stress was also observed during the investigation at the Garden City Clinic, Johannesburg. A double blind experiment was performed to investigate the effect of four different genres of music on the pain, discomfort and recovery levels of patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomies and laparotomies, and it was found that patients who received music had lower pain- and stress levels, specifically with the use of Mozart’s piano concertos.
Baroque Music (1600-1750) - Music of this period is characterized by neatness and precision. Composers were highly influenced by the strict rules of Pythagorean principles and harmony. Their philosophy was that music is the bridge that links all things in the universe.
Well known composers from this era are: Bach, Händel, Vivaldi, Teleman and Corelli.
Classical Music (1750-1825) - During the 18th century a movement called “The Age of Reason” began amongst philosophers such as Voltaire, Locke and Jefferson, who believed that the world could be controlled through reason and science. During this period it was believed that there had to be a reason for everything, and an all-over simplicity was sought that was not known in earlier centuries. The Classical period in music tends to be associated with this movement, and composers perfected the forms of classical music such as the sonata, symphony and concerto. Music from this period tends to be “easier listening” for the musically unsophisticated.
Well known composers from this era are: Mozart and Haydn.
Romantic Music (1825-1900) - Composers from this era wanted to overwhelm their listeners and wanted to “melt their hearts”. The main focus was on the melody and the romantic themes tended to be lyrical.
Well known composers from this era are: Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky.
COMBINING MUSIC AND DEEP BREATHING
Relax by breathing deeply while you sit in an upright position with closed eyes. Listen to the music of any of the above-mentioned composers, especially the slow movements of concertos from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras. Remain in this meditative-position for as long as desired.
The combination of breath- and music therapy provides a powerful tool in establishing the physical and emotional health of the individual.
COLEMAN
“We trust that the magic of sound, scientifically applied, will contribute in ever greater measure to the relief of human suffering, to a higher development and a richer integration of the human personality, to the harmonious synthesis of all human “notes” of all “group chords and melodies” - until there will be the greater symphony of the One Humanity.”
Roberto Assagioli M.D.
Music can be employed as assistance in obtaining physical, emotional and spiritual health. During the first half of the nineties, I investigated the therapeutic consequences of distinct types of music on patients under adequate anaesthesia. This investigation was done in Johannesburg at the Garden City Clinic, over a period of four years (1991-1995), with statistics done at the Witwatersrand university, by dr. Jackie Galpin.
Data available on investigations done to test the therapeutic benefits of music, would fill a library of its own. That was not what was done. The effect of music with a known therapeutic value, was investigated on patients under adequate anaesthesia - testing for reduction in pain levels and a shorter recovery period. It is an accepted dictum in psychology that people in a deep sleep, coma or under anaesthesia can hear (not remember). That the auditory pathways up to the auditory cortex actually remain open and untouched by anaesthesia. That you can talk to people in a coma or undergoing surgery, and that the body would respond to whatever was said. In many hospitals, positive suggestions are given to patients in a coma and on the operating table. The capital aim of the project was to test music to serve as a credible alternative for the positive verbal suggestions.
Music has powerful effects on people, whether they are educated in music or not. Wertheim (1961) states that “muscle perception and performance is an inborn capacity of the human brain. This ability is common among human beings and is independent of education or culture…..” This makes the application of music as a therapy, or music as an aid to any other therapy, very simple.
Science, Medicine and Anthropology have completed many years of investigation on the effect of music on the physical body. As early as 1830, articles were published by J. Dogiel, which outlined experiments done to affirm music’s dynamic effect on the body. Absolute physiological reactions were established, and amongst other things, it was proved that music act on the circulation of blood, and can cause blood pressure to rise and fall. According to this, these alternations of pressure rely mainly on the influence which auditory stimulation has on the medulla oblongata and the auditory nerve.
During the first half of the previous century, many investigators throughout Europe agreed that music increases metabolism in a very adequate way, and that it changes muscular energy and enhances respiration.
The positive effects of music on physical and psychological health are truly widespread. In an article on music as cause of disease and healing agent, Assagioli (1965) states that “through its influence upon the subconscious, music can have a still more definite and specific healing effect of a psychoanalytic character. If of an appropriate kind, it can help in eliminating repression and resistance and bring into the field of waking consciousness many drives, emotions and complexes which were creating difficulties in the subconscious”.
It is known that certain kinds of music have the ability to reduce pain, whether it is physical or emotional. Scarantino (1987) states that “Pythagoras of Samos taught his students that certain musical sequences, chords and melodies produced definite responses in the human organism, and could change behaviour patterns that accelerated healing processes”
In a further discussion Scarantino states “In the 1970’s, Bulgarian researchers, under the direction of Dr. Georgi Lazanov, discovered a holistic approach to learning, that allows the body and mind to work in harmony through the linking of music and verbal suggestions…. While listening to largo movements from works of Baroque era composers, with tempos slower than the average heartbeat (sixty beats per minute or slower), the vital signs of test subjects slows down in rhythm with the music, relaxing them physically but leaving their minds alert for the assimilation of information. When the various educational data was presented to the students while the music played in the background, the students experienced significant increases in awareness and retention of information and a whole repertoire of health benefits, including relief from pain and headaches…..”
Relief of physical pain and stress was also observed during the investigation at the Garden City Clinic, Johannesburg. A double blind experiment was performed to investigate the effect of four different genres of music on the pain, discomfort and recovery levels of patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomies and laparotomies, and it was found that patients who received music had lower pain- and stress levels, specifically with the use of Mozart’s piano concertos.
Baroque Music (1600-1750) - Music of this period is characterized by neatness and precision. Composers were highly influenced by the strict rules of Pythagorean principles and harmony. Their philosophy was that music is the bridge that links all things in the universe.
Well known composers from this era are: Bach, Händel, Vivaldi, Teleman and Corelli.
Classical Music (1750-1825) - During the 18th century a movement called “The Age of Reason” began amongst philosophers such as Voltaire, Locke and Jefferson, who believed that the world could be controlled through reason and science. During this period it was believed that there had to be a reason for everything, and an all-over simplicity was sought that was not known in earlier centuries. The Classical period in music tends to be associated with this movement, and composers perfected the forms of classical music such as the sonata, symphony and concerto. Music from this period tends to be “easier listening” for the musically unsophisticated.
Well known composers from this era are: Mozart and Haydn.
Romantic Music (1825-1900) - Composers from this era wanted to overwhelm their listeners and wanted to “melt their hearts”. The main focus was on the melody and the romantic themes tended to be lyrical.
Well known composers from this era are: Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky.
COMBINING MUSIC AND DEEP BREATHING
Relax by breathing deeply while you sit in an upright position with closed eyes. Listen to the music of any of the above-mentioned composers, especially the slow movements of concertos from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras. Remain in this meditative-position for as long as desired.
The combination of breath- and music therapy provides a powerful tool in establishing the physical and emotional health of the individual.
COLEMAN
Aug
16
Filed Under Alternative Medicine | Leave a Comment
Daniel Kobialka asked:
Music and sound healing is not a new concept. Cultures throughout the world have used music to empower, energize, heal and soothe the body, mind and spirit since time immemorial. It is no accident that Apollo, the Greek god who is credited as being the father of medicine, is also the father of music and the inventor of the lyre.
Music and healing are part of each other, and current research is pointing to that more and more. Recent studies have shown that music can slow down and help balance brain waves, reduce tension and stress by affecting endorphin levels, reduce physical tension by changing the vibrational frequency of cells, and even evoke feelings of love and inner peace.
Of course, if music can slow down your body’s rhythms and effect soothing, peace and healing, it can also have the opposite effect. A well-chosen set of music can help energize you and prepare you to work hard and be creative. Studies have also shown that athletes working out and practicing to music use more energy, stretch themselves further and burn more calories than those who work without music.
There’s a great deal of information available now about music and healing. Sound healing, music therapy, and the power of sound to effect changes in the mind, body and spirit are becoming more and more accepted. It’s sometimes difficult to tell how much is true and how much is marketing hype.
I became interested in the healing power of music as a by-product of trying to produce the most beautiful music possible. Years back, Leonard Bernstein invited me to perform as concertmaster in the world premiere his production of Mass. While there, he invited me along to speak with management and producers in the recording industry.
I learned from them, to my surprise, that the violin, the instrument that I consider the most beautiful and evocative of any, was not considered by the recording industry to be a marketable sound - that people would not buy recordings that featured the violin.
That piece of news amazed me. To me, the violin is the most beautiful, evocative and versatile instrument ever created. In the hands of a skilled musician, the violin can gloat, laugh, exult or cry. It can express nearly any emotion that humans can feel in their hearts and souls. I challenged myself then to produce works of music that presented the violin as I know it - the evocative and expressive voice of the soul.
That was the beginning of my own music label and catalog, Li-Sem Enterprises. As it grew, I began to hear from those who work in the fields of healing, both the traditional hospitals and doctors’ offices, and those working in CAM (complementary and alternative medicine), telling me that they were using my music in their practices, to enhance meditation, focus awareness and evoke emotions.
Perhaps the most potent, powerful story that I heard was that of a teenage boy diagnosed with schizophrenia who did not speak at all, but who, while listening to my CD Fragrance of a Dream, looked up and said, “This music is so beautiful it breaks your heart.”
Those stories and touches from others led me to begin exploring the world of healing with sound and music, and what I find both amazes me and confirms my own belief that music is one of the most potent healing tools the world has ever possessed. I am still very much a student, a pilgrim on a quest to learn all that I can about the ways that different tones, vibrations and sounds can affect the body and attune with the emotions and the spiritual.
It is a wonderful journey, and one that I intend to share with as many people as I can. As a beginning of that sharing, here are some things that I have learned, and that I believe about how music helps to heal and regenerate the body.
1. Your body will heal itself if you give it the right tools. I believe that some music can help your body to heal by helping it to realign its balance. At the same time, it is far too early in the research for anyone to tell you which musical selections will heal a specific medical condition. I would be irresponsible if I recommended that music replace other more traditional forms of healing and therapy. Music is a complementary way to give your body the tools that it needs to help itself heal.
2. One of the most important and effective things that you can do for your body is to help it relax into a meditative state. There is a great deal of research to support that a state of meditative calm inspires your body and your mind to renew itself.
3. Sound is one of the best tools for inspiring the meditative state in which your body is receptive to healing and renewal - but it is important to choose your music carefully. Some music - classical music in particular - seems to go there instinctively, but most music was not designed to relax you.
We are barely beginning to understand the ways that music affects us and effects healing in us. The research is exciting and ongoing, and I spend a great deal of time working with different bodies of healers in various fields to aid this research in all the ways that I can.
I incorporate what I have learned into the production of the titles and arrangements chosen for every new Li-Sem Catalog release in the hopes that this wonderful gift that I was given, the gift of making music, can become a gift to others - one that helps heal and refresh and renew, and in the process becomes part of a positive change in the world.
HERBERT
Music and sound healing is not a new concept. Cultures throughout the world have used music to empower, energize, heal and soothe the body, mind and spirit since time immemorial. It is no accident that Apollo, the Greek god who is credited as being the father of medicine, is also the father of music and the inventor of the lyre.
Music and healing are part of each other, and current research is pointing to that more and more. Recent studies have shown that music can slow down and help balance brain waves, reduce tension and stress by affecting endorphin levels, reduce physical tension by changing the vibrational frequency of cells, and even evoke feelings of love and inner peace.
Of course, if music can slow down your body’s rhythms and effect soothing, peace and healing, it can also have the opposite effect. A well-chosen set of music can help energize you and prepare you to work hard and be creative. Studies have also shown that athletes working out and practicing to music use more energy, stretch themselves further and burn more calories than those who work without music.
There’s a great deal of information available now about music and healing. Sound healing, music therapy, and the power of sound to effect changes in the mind, body and spirit are becoming more and more accepted. It’s sometimes difficult to tell how much is true and how much is marketing hype.
I became interested in the healing power of music as a by-product of trying to produce the most beautiful music possible. Years back, Leonard Bernstein invited me to perform as concertmaster in the world premiere his production of Mass. While there, he invited me along to speak with management and producers in the recording industry.
I learned from them, to my surprise, that the violin, the instrument that I consider the most beautiful and evocative of any, was not considered by the recording industry to be a marketable sound - that people would not buy recordings that featured the violin.
That piece of news amazed me. To me, the violin is the most beautiful, evocative and versatile instrument ever created. In the hands of a skilled musician, the violin can gloat, laugh, exult or cry. It can express nearly any emotion that humans can feel in their hearts and souls. I challenged myself then to produce works of music that presented the violin as I know it - the evocative and expressive voice of the soul.
That was the beginning of my own music label and catalog, Li-Sem Enterprises. As it grew, I began to hear from those who work in the fields of healing, both the traditional hospitals and doctors’ offices, and those working in CAM (complementary and alternative medicine), telling me that they were using my music in their practices, to enhance meditation, focus awareness and evoke emotions.
Perhaps the most potent, powerful story that I heard was that of a teenage boy diagnosed with schizophrenia who did not speak at all, but who, while listening to my CD Fragrance of a Dream, looked up and said, “This music is so beautiful it breaks your heart.”
Those stories and touches from others led me to begin exploring the world of healing with sound and music, and what I find both amazes me and confirms my own belief that music is one of the most potent healing tools the world has ever possessed. I am still very much a student, a pilgrim on a quest to learn all that I can about the ways that different tones, vibrations and sounds can affect the body and attune with the emotions and the spiritual.
It is a wonderful journey, and one that I intend to share with as many people as I can. As a beginning of that sharing, here are some things that I have learned, and that I believe about how music helps to heal and regenerate the body.
1. Your body will heal itself if you give it the right tools. I believe that some music can help your body to heal by helping it to realign its balance. At the same time, it is far too early in the research for anyone to tell you which musical selections will heal a specific medical condition. I would be irresponsible if I recommended that music replace other more traditional forms of healing and therapy. Music is a complementary way to give your body the tools that it needs to help itself heal.
2. One of the most important and effective things that you can do for your body is to help it relax into a meditative state. There is a great deal of research to support that a state of meditative calm inspires your body and your mind to renew itself.
3. Sound is one of the best tools for inspiring the meditative state in which your body is receptive to healing and renewal - but it is important to choose your music carefully. Some music - classical music in particular - seems to go there instinctively, but most music was not designed to relax you.
We are barely beginning to understand the ways that music affects us and effects healing in us. The research is exciting and ongoing, and I spend a great deal of time working with different bodies of healers in various fields to aid this research in all the ways that I can.
I incorporate what I have learned into the production of the titles and arrangements chosen for every new Li-Sem Catalog release in the hopes that this wonderful gift that I was given, the gift of making music, can become a gift to others - one that helps heal and refresh and renew, and in the process becomes part of a positive change in the world.
HERBERT