There’s no doubt that listening to your favorite music can instantly put you in a good mood. But medical professionals are now discovering that music can do more for you than just lift your spirits. Doctor Miriam Stoppard has extensively researched and written on the topic, one of her pieces: “Why sweet music has the power to heal” is extremely useful and informative. If you suffer from specific illnesses, or want to remain as healthy as possible, read on and take her excellent advice…

Reduced depression

Listening to music can lift your mood; say researchers at Stanford University’s School of Medicine who found that soothing classical music reduced depression by up to 25 per cent.

Increased lung capacity

Dr. Stoppard reveals research done by Professor Graham Welch of University of London who not surprisingly found that we use more lung volume when we sing. This means our bodies get more oxygen.

Lower blood pressure

According to Harvard Medical School, the hearts of people listening to music worked less hard when they were listening to music while running on treadmills. This reduced their blood pressure.

Calmer babies

A Californian obstetrician has tracked the breathing of a 33-week foetus to the beat of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. He feels classical music can produce calmer babies.

Improved recovery from stroke

Listening to music following a stroke can help patients recover from brain damage, a study done by Helsinki University reveals.

Easing epilepsy

Research into adults suffering seizures has found that listening to Mozart, especially bursts of Sonata K448, decreased epileptic attacks. (We have also found out that that this piece of music can improve people’s spatial IQ.)

Better immunity

University of California researchers discovered that the levels of a protein that helps the body fight infections rose by 150 per cent during rehearsals of a Beethoven choral work and 240 per cent in the concert performance.

Pain relief

Dr. Stoppard quotes a number of studies that show that listening to music can reduce the feelings of pain. This includes research by a German doctor who has studied 100,000 patients who believes tailor-made music can reduce the quantity of painkillers needed by patients by 50 per cent.

Alzheimer’s help

Miami University’s School of Medicine discovered that blood levels of mood-enhancing chemicals rose significantly in Alzheimer’s patients exposed to music. These patients then slept better and became more active and co-operative.
Parkinson’s pick-up

Studies, says Dr. Stoppard, show that music therapy made a significant difference to the quality of life of those with Parkinson’s disease, as it helped reduce depression, anxiety and social isolation.