The power of sound continues to astonish me. What we listen to can have an effect on our heart, blood pressure, blood flow, stress levels and our brain.
Did you know the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music?
In ancient Greece, music was used to promote sleep, lower stress levels and ease pain. And Native Americans used both singing and changing in healing rituals. Scientific studies continue to discover the amazing benefits of the sounds we listen to and the effects on the body, specifically for healing.
In one study from Hong Kong, older volunteers who listened to relaxing music for 25 minutes a day for four weeks lowered their systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by 12 points and their diastolic pressure (the bottom number) by 5 points, while a control group that didn’t listen to music had no change in blood pressure, according to the Harvard Medical Review.
And that is just one example.
So my question to you is, what are you listening to during the day and to unwind at night? Is it relaxing and energizing you at the right times? Is it healing or hurting you?
I have been thinking more about this lately on my own healing journey, and so I decided to share with you some of my favorites to help you on your own path!
Focus & Concentration
“Music for the Mozart Effect Volume 1: Strengthen the Mind” by Don Campbell
I discovered “The Mozart Effect” music years ago and have listened to it ever since. Created by author Don Campbell, who wrote the books on how music is medicine for the mind, body and soul, including “The Mozart Effect” and “The Mozart Effect for Children,” his CDs are filled with music from Mozart to target a desired effect on the body and mind. This one is used for intelligence and learning, and is great for studying, learning, reading or on your way to work. I often listen to this during the day while I am working, and find I can concentrate better and get more done!
Healing
“Grace and Gratitude,” by Olivia Newton-John
Ever since I interviewed her for Elevated Existence’s September 2009 cover story, I have had this CD on my playlist and I listen to it often and love it. It’s filled with spiritually focused and inspiring songs Newton-John wrote after her battle with cancer in order to help other people heal. It includes 10 songs featuring universally spiritual lyrics, alternating with 10 instrumental selections that relate to the different chakras and emotions in the body.
Songs include “Pearls on a Chain,” where she sings, “And if you look in my eyes, you will see we are souls alike, we are pearls on a chain,” and “Let Go, Let God,” with lyrics like “Let the signs remind you, we are passengers. Let the signs remind you to surrender.”
“Music for the Mozart Effect Volume 2: Heal the Body” by Don Campbell
Another great one by Don Campbell, and this one is specifically for healing the body. It can be listened to any time of day, and is especially relaxing to unwind at night. Be sure to look at all The Mozart Effect music because there are other volumes, and even those specifically for children!
“The Essential Snatam Kaur: Sacred Chants for Healing” by Snatam Kaur
This is another one I will listen to in the background during the day. Snatam Kaur’s voice is beautiful and soothing, and known by those who practice Kundalini yoga. It can be listened to during meditation and yoga as well. Kaur has a number of albums but this is a great collection for healing.
“The Soul of Healing Affirmation: A to Z Guide to Reprogramming the Soul,” by Deepak Chopra and Adam Plack
Set to soothing music, listen to Deepak Chopra as he repeats 26 affirmations (on topics from A to Z) to engage the body, mind and spirit toward balance, healing and rejuvenation. From A for Acceptance to Z for Zero. I love listening to this during the day while I’m working because I feel like I’m feeding my mind and soul and programming myself with positive affirmations at the same time.
Relax & Unwind
“Relax & Destress: Dr. Andrew Weil’s Music for Self-Healing,” by Dr. Andrew Weil and Joshua Leeds
This collection of classical music was scientifically selected and performed to reduce physical tension, calm anxiety and create inner calm. This is perfect for nighttime, but I also listen during the day (even while I work) when I find myself stressed out.
“The Very Best of Enya” by Enya
I adore all of Enya’s music and find it very relaxing. This one is a collection of 19 songs and there are so many of my favorites on it. Her voice literally soothes the soul in my opinion. P.S. she has a new album coming out November 27, 2015 called Dark Sky Island, so be on the lookout for that!
I hope you will try some of these selections, and let me know what you think in the comments below. And if you have any that you listen to and would like to share, comment on that below too because I’m always looking for new music!
Tammy Mastroberte is a three-time, award-winning writer, founder of Elevated Existence, and publisher and editorial director of the multi-award-winning Elevated Existence Magazine. She started the new age, spiritual and self-improvement publication at age 30 – eight years after the sudden death of her mother from a brain aneurysm only three days after Christmas in 1999. This tragedy led her down a synchronistic path to discover her purpose and the meaning behind many of the events in her life – including her mother’s death. She now shares her guidance, and the wisdom of today’s top authors and spiritual celebrities through Elevated Existence. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter: @ElevatedTammy on Instagram: elevatedtammy.