Let the Music Begin for Health
By Tom Herrin
Improving health does not require any kind of magic formula. Without a doubt, many people have issues that may not be easily dealt with but most people can have a way of doing something. Every way of helping does not have to be difficult or require all sweat or starvation. One of the simplest of ways is listening to music. When you live in the live music capital of Texas, there is plenty of opportunity to hear good sounds. Something that can have a good impact on health is softer music, one of which is jazz. In this case, it doesn’t have to be live to help.
It May Help Blood Pressure
Whether it is due to diet, lack of exercise, or genetics, people seem to have lots of problems with blood pressure today. Many take medications while others seek different types of remedies. Listening to soft music has shown considerable promise. In one study that used music and laughter, measurable progress was observed after only three months. The group listening to music had a reduction of 6 mmHg, the laughter group had a reduction of 5 mmHg, and the control group had no change. These changes were considered comparable to those who lost weight, cut salt, or took blood pressure medication.
It May Help Stroke Recovery
Music therapy is used increasingly for those with various health problems. For those recovering from strokes, listening to soft music showed marked improvement in verbal memory and focused attention when compared to those who did not participate in the listening. Similar results were found when compared to those who listened to audiobooks.
It Can Relieve Stress
Probably the most classic scenario of people listening to soft music is for the relief of stress. Most of us have that image in our minds at some time or other. I find it relaxing anytime I have had a hectic day. Studies have shown that sleep may improve increasingly as it corresponds with a greater number of weeks of listening to soft music for 45 minutes before going to bed. Those who listened for one week saw improvement of 26 percent of participants while after three weeks, 35 percent of the participants had improvement. In the whole picture, listening to soft music seems to be easily worth trying. What do you have to lose?
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.