Oh My Aching Head! Can Music Really Make You Feel Better?
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009We all know, if only instinctively, that music has a profound effect on us. If we didn’t believe that music affects us then singing lullabies to calm children and help them sleep wouldn’t be universal. In reality melody, harmony, and rhythm probably impacts the human brain in ways that are far more profound than we realize. We all know that an up tempo melody from our favorite performer stirs and energizes us just as a slower melody can help us relax or even prompt sad emotions from the depths of our soul, but did you know that evidence has been found linking the merging of melody, harmony, and rhythm with pain management?
The direct implication of this is that by incorporating the right melody (we’ll discuss what defines the right melody in a moment) into your schedule it is possible to reduce your need for pain medication and thereby save money and aggravation.