Psycho acoustics is the scientific study of the perception of
sound, and it has fueled researcher’s paths to better understand how it can be
used as medicine. For instance, in 1973, Dr. Gerald Oster, a medical doctor and
biophysicist, proved, in his research paper, “Auditory
Beats in the Brain,” how sound affects the how the brain absorbs
new information, controls mood, sleep patterns, healing responses, and more,
and how quickly. Thus, specific frequencies of sound and music can be used
to generate neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
To understand the fundamentals of sound in healing, we must
first understand our brain waves. The nucleus of our
thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, is the communication between neurons. Brain
waves are generated by way of electrical pulses working in unison from masses
of neurons interacting with one another. Brain waves are divided into five
different bandwidths that are thought to form a spectrum of human
consciousness.
Research shows that different frequencies presented to each ear through
stereo headphones… create a difference tone (or binaural beat) as the brain
puts together the two tones it actually hears. Through EEG monitoring the
difference tone is identified by a change in the electrical pattern produced by
the brain. For example, frequencies of 200 Hz and 210 Hz produce a binaural
beat frequency of 10 Hz (The difference in 210 Hz and 200 Hz is 10 Hz).
Monitoring of the brain’s electricity (EEG) shows that the brain produces
increased 10 Hz activity with equal frequency and amplitude of the wave form in
both hemispheres of the brain (left and right hemisphere).
Additional research upholds the beliefs of mind-body medicine in
this sense, stating that brainwaves being in the Alpha state, 8 to 14 Hz, permits a vibration
allowing for more serotonin to be created.
It’s important for us to come to terms with the fact that there
is science behind age-old medicinal practices that do not require putting
unknown substances in our bodies to alleviate issues like stress, depression,
anxiety, and more.
But even more intriguing is to think something as simple as
sound, as music, which we have come to treat as utterly pleasurable
entertainment, has not only been used to promote healing and well-being, but
has proven to work through research as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment