Music May Be a Pathway to Good Health
By Tom Herrin
Everything that helps to improve health is not necessarily on the list of things that require extra hard work or long periods or sacrifice. It is true that diet and exercise have an important role in maintaining good health, but they are not the only things that can have a positive effect on it. One of the simplest and least difficult ways to improve health is listening to music. There are some proven links between listening to soft music, especially jazz, and things that create greater quality health. Especially for those who want something easier, it can do some really good things for an individual.
It May Help with Stroke Recovery
When people have had strokes, they often struggle with loss of certain mental or physical tasks. The efforts made to help in recovery are focused on what can have early success. People who listened to music shortly after experiencing a stroke showed improvement in verbal memory, focus, and mood. Studies have shown that verbal memory improved 60 percent in those who listened to music while it improved only 29 percent in those who did not listen. Focused attention improved 17 percent for listeners as opposed to no improvement for non-listeners.
It May Help with Pain Relief
Listening to soft music has been shown to help the pain of headaches. It seems to lessen the intensity of the pain and shorten the duration. It has even been successful with migraines. Music therapy has also been used in hospitals to help with the pain of childbirth, reduce postoperative pain, and work with anesthesia during surgery. The success rate seems to be gaining momentum.
It May Help Relieve Stress
Many people relate listening to jazz with a way to deal with stress. There are some great correlations between the two. I know that I enjoy listening to jazz, and other soft music, and find it soothing and relaxing. Listening to it for 45 minutes before bedtime has proven to help people to sleep better and longer. The fact that little effort is needed in order for someone to listen makes it a much more desirable way to try to do something good for health. If some of your other options have worn you out, put on a little soft music and see what benefits you discover. You are sure to like what you find -- and hear.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Irving, Tex.