Researchers are exploring how music therapy can improve health outcomes
among a variety of patient populations, including premature infants and people
with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
among a variety of patient populations, including premature infants and people
with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
The beep of ventilators and infusion pumps, the hiss of oxygen, the whir
of carts and the murmur of voices as physicians and nurses make rounds — these
are the typical noises a premature infant hears spending the first days of life
in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While the sounds of such
life-saving equipment are tough to mute, a new study suggests that some sounds,
such as lullabies, may soothe pre-term babies and their parents, and even
improve the infants' sleeping and eating patterns, while decreasing parents'
stress (Pediatrics, 2013).
of carts and the murmur of voices as physicians and nurses make rounds — these
are the typical noises a premature infant hears spending the first days of life
in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While the sounds of such
life-saving equipment are tough to mute, a new study suggests that some sounds,
such as lullabies, may soothe pre-term babies and their parents, and even
improve the infants' sleeping and eating patterns, while decreasing parents'
stress (Pediatrics, 2013).
Researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center's Louis Armstrong Center for
Music and Medicine conducted the study, which included 272 premature babies 32
weeks gestation or older in 11 mid-Atlantic NICUs. They examined the effects of
three types of music: a lullaby selected and sung by the baby's parents; an
"ocean disc," a round instrument, invented by the Remo drum company,
that mimics the sounds of the womb; and a gato box, a drum-like instrument used
to simulate two-tone heartbeat rhythms. The two instruments were played live by
certified music therapists, who matched their music to the babies' breathing
and heart rhythms.
Music and Medicine conducted the study, which included 272 premature babies 32
weeks gestation or older in 11 mid-Atlantic NICUs. They examined the effects of
three types of music: a lullaby selected and sung by the baby's parents; an
"ocean disc," a round instrument, invented by the Remo drum company,
that mimics the sounds of the womb; and a gato box, a drum-like instrument used
to simulate two-tone heartbeat rhythms. The two instruments were played live by
certified music therapists, who matched their music to the babies' breathing
and heart rhythms.
The researchers found that the gato box, the Remo ocean disc and singing
all slowed a baby's heart rate, although singing was the most effective.
Singing also increased the amount of time babies stayed quietly alert, and
sucking behavior improved most with the gato box, while the ocean disc enhanced
sleep. The music therapy also lowered the parents' stress, says Joanne Loewy,
the study's lead author, director of the Armstrong center and co-editor of the
journal Music and Medicine.
all slowed a baby's heart rate, although singing was the most effective.
Singing also increased the amount of time babies stayed quietly alert, and
sucking behavior improved most with the gato box, while the ocean disc enhanced
sleep. The music therapy also lowered the parents' stress, says Joanne Loewy,
the study's lead author, director of the Armstrong center and co-editor of the
journal Music and Medicine.
"There's just something about music — particularly live music —
that excites and activates the body," says Loewy, whose work is part of a
growing movement of music therapists and psychologists who are investigating
the use of music in medicine to help patients dealing with pain, depression and
possibly even Alzheimer's disease. "Music very much has a way of enhancing
quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery."
that excites and activates the body," says Loewy, whose work is part of a
growing movement of music therapists and psychologists who are investigating
the use of music in medicine to help patients dealing with pain, depression and
possibly even Alzheimer's disease. "Music very much has a way of enhancing
quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery."
Music to treat pain and reduce stress
While music has long been recognized as an effective form of therapy to
provide an outlet for emotions, the notion of using song, sound frequencies and
rhythm to treat physical ailments is a relatively new domain, says psychologist
Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, who studies the neuroscience of music at McGill
University in Montreal. A wealth of new studies is touting the benefits of
music on mental and physical health. For example, in a meta-analysis of 400
studies, Levitin and his postgraduate research fellow, Mona Lisa Chanda, PhD,
found that music improves the body's immune system function and reduces stress.
Listening to music was also found to be more effective than prescription drugs
in reducing anxiety before surgery (Trends in Cognitive Sciences,
April, 2013).
provide an outlet for emotions, the notion of using song, sound frequencies and
rhythm to treat physical ailments is a relatively new domain, says psychologist
Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, who studies the neuroscience of music at McGill
University in Montreal. A wealth of new studies is touting the benefits of
music on mental and physical health. For example, in a meta-analysis of 400
studies, Levitin and his postgraduate research fellow, Mona Lisa Chanda, PhD,
found that music improves the body's immune system function and reduces stress.
Listening to music was also found to be more effective than prescription drugs
in reducing anxiety before surgery (Trends in Cognitive Sciences,
April, 2013).
"We've found compelling evidence that musical interventions can
play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating rooms to family
clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is Your Brain on
Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to just how music
influences health. The researchers found that listening to and playing music
increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural
killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune
system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone
cortisol.
play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating rooms to family
clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is Your Brain on
Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to just how music
influences health. The researchers found that listening to and playing music
increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural
killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the immune
system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone
cortisol.
"This is one reason why music is associated with relaxation,"
Levitin says.
Levitin says.
One recent study on the link between music and stress found that music
can help soothe pediatric emergency room patients (JAMA Pediatrics,
July, 2013). In the trial with 42 children ages 3 to 11, University of Alberta
researchers found that patients who listened to relaxing music while getting an
IV inserted reported significantly less pain, and some demonstrated
significantly less distress, compared with patients who did not listen to
music. In addition, in the music-listening group, more than two-thirds of the
health-care providers reported that the IVs were very easy to administer —
compared with 38 percent of providers treating the group that did not listen to
music.
can help soothe pediatric emergency room patients (JAMA Pediatrics,
July, 2013). In the trial with 42 children ages 3 to 11, University of Alberta
researchers found that patients who listened to relaxing music while getting an
IV inserted reported significantly less pain, and some demonstrated
significantly less distress, compared with patients who did not listen to
music. In addition, in the music-listening group, more than two-thirds of the
health-care providers reported that the IVs were very easy to administer —
compared with 38 percent of providers treating the group that did not listen to
music.
"There is growing scientific evidence showing that the brain
responds to music in very specific ways," says Lisa Hartling, PhD,
professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and lead author of the
study. "Playing music for kids during painful medical procedures is a
simple intervention that can make a big difference."
responds to music in very specific ways," says Lisa Hartling, PhD,
professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and lead author of the
study. "Playing music for kids during painful medical procedures is a
simple intervention that can make a big difference."
Music can help adult patients, too. Researchers at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
in Singapore found that patients in palliative care who took part in live music
therapy sessions reported relief from persistent pain (Progress in Palliative Care, July, 2013). Music
therapists worked closely with the patients to individually tailor the
intervention, and patients took part in singing, instrument playing, lyric
discussion and even song writing as they worked toward accepting an illness or
weighed end-of-life issues.
in Singapore found that patients in palliative care who took part in live music
therapy sessions reported relief from persistent pain (Progress in Palliative Care, July, 2013). Music
therapists worked closely with the patients to individually tailor the
intervention, and patients took part in singing, instrument playing, lyric
discussion and even song writing as they worked toward accepting an illness or
weighed end-of-life issues.
"Active music engagement allowed the patients to reconnect with the
healthy parts of themselves, even in the face of a debilitating condition or
disease-related suffering," says music therapist Melanie Kwan, co-author
of the study and president of the Association for Music Therapy, Singapore.
"When their acute pain symptoms were relieved, patients were finally able
to rest."
healthy parts of themselves, even in the face of a debilitating condition or
disease-related suffering," says music therapist Melanie Kwan, co-author
of the study and president of the Association for Music Therapy, Singapore.
"When their acute pain symptoms were relieved, patients were finally able
to rest."
The healing power of vibration
At its core, music is sound, and sound is rooted in vibration. Led by
Lee Bartel, PhD, a music professor at the University of Toronto, several
researchers are exploring whether sound vibrations absorbed through the body
can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia and depression.
Known as vibroacoustic therapy, the intervention involves using low frequency
sound — similar to a low rumble — to produce vibrations that are applied
directly to the body. During vibroacoustic therapy, the patient lies on a mat
or bed or sits in a chair embedded with speakers that transmit vibrations at
specific computer-generated frequencies that can be heard and felt, says Bartel.
He likens the process to sitting on a subwoofer.
Lee Bartel, PhD, a music professor at the University of Toronto, several
researchers are exploring whether sound vibrations absorbed through the body
can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia and depression.
Known as vibroacoustic therapy, the intervention involves using low frequency
sound — similar to a low rumble — to produce vibrations that are applied
directly to the body. During vibroacoustic therapy, the patient lies on a mat
or bed or sits in a chair embedded with speakers that transmit vibrations at
specific computer-generated frequencies that can be heard and felt, says Bartel.
He likens the process to sitting on a subwoofer.
In 2009, researchers led by Lauren K. King of the Sun Life Financial
Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid Laurier
University, in Waterloo, Ontario, found that short-term use of vibroacoustic
therapy with Parkinson's disease patients led to improvements in symptoms,
including less rigidity and better walking speed with bigger steps and reduced
tremors (NeuroRehabilitation, December, 2009). In that study,
the scientists exposed 40 Parkinson's disease patients to low-frequency
30-hertz vibration for one minute, followed by a one-minute break. They then
alternated the two for a total of 10 minutes. The researchers are now planning
a long-term study of the use of vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's
patients, as part of a new partnership with the University of Toronto's Music
and Health Research Collaboratory, which brings together scientists from around
the world who are studying music's effect on health.
Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid Laurier
University, in Waterloo, Ontario, found that short-term use of vibroacoustic
therapy with Parkinson's disease patients led to improvements in symptoms,
including less rigidity and better walking speed with bigger steps and reduced
tremors (NeuroRehabilitation, December, 2009). In that study,
the scientists exposed 40 Parkinson's disease patients to low-frequency
30-hertz vibration for one minute, followed by a one-minute break. They then
alternated the two for a total of 10 minutes. The researchers are now planning
a long-term study of the use of vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's
patients, as part of a new partnership with the University of Toronto's Music
and Health Research Collaboratory, which brings together scientists from around
the world who are studying music's effect on health.
The group is also examining something called thalmocortical dysrhythmia
— a disorientation of rhythmic brain activity involving the thalamus and the
outer cortex that appears to play a role in several medical conditions
including Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and possibly even Alzheimer's disease, says
Bartel, who directs the collaboratory.
— a disorientation of rhythmic brain activity involving the thalamus and the
outer cortex that appears to play a role in several medical conditions
including Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and possibly even Alzheimer's disease, says
Bartel, who directs the collaboratory.
"Since the rhythmic pulses of music can drive and stabilize this
disorientation, we believe that low-frequency sound might help with these
conditions," Bartel says. He is leading a study using vibroacoustic
therapy with patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The hope is that using the
therapy to restore normal communication among brain regions may allow for
greater memory retrieval, he says.
disorientation, we believe that low-frequency sound might help with these
conditions," Bartel says. He is leading a study using vibroacoustic
therapy with patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The hope is that using the
therapy to restore normal communication among brain regions may allow for
greater memory retrieval, he says.
"We've already seen glimmers of hope in a case study with a patient
who had just been diagnosed with the disorder," Bartel says. "After
stimulating her with 40-hertz sound for 30 minutes three times a week for four
weeks, she could recall the names of her grandchildren more easily, and her
husband reported good improvement in her condition."
who had just been diagnosed with the disorder," Bartel says. "After
stimulating her with 40-hertz sound for 30 minutes three times a week for four
weeks, she could recall the names of her grandchildren more easily, and her
husband reported good improvement in her condition."
The goal of all of this work is to develop "dosable" and
"prescribable" music therapy and music as medicine protocols that
serve specific neurologic functions and attend to deficits that may result from
many of these neurologically based conditions. Rather than viewing music only
as a cultural phenomenon, Bartel says, the art should be seen as a vibratory
stimulus that has cognitive and memory dimensions.
"prescribable" music therapy and music as medicine protocols that
serve specific neurologic functions and attend to deficits that may result from
many of these neurologically based conditions. Rather than viewing music only
as a cultural phenomenon, Bartel says, the art should be seen as a vibratory
stimulus that has cognitive and memory dimensions.
"Only when we look at it in this way do we start to see the
interface to how the brain and body work together."
interface to how the brain and body work together."
Music as medicine
Researchers are exploring how music therapy can improve
health outcomes among a variety of patient populations, including premature
infants and people with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
health outcomes among a variety of patient populations, including premature
infants and people with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
The beep of ventilators and infusion pumps, the hiss of
oxygen, the whir of carts and the murmur of voices as physicians and nurses
make rounds — these are the typical noises a premature infant hears spending
the first days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While the
sounds of such life-saving equipment are tough to mute, a new study suggests
that some sounds, such as lullabies, may soothe pre-term babies and their
parents, and even improve the infants' sleeping and eating patterns, while decreasing
parents' stress (Pediatrics, 2013).
oxygen, the whir of carts and the murmur of voices as physicians and nurses
make rounds — these are the typical noises a premature infant hears spending
the first days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While the
sounds of such life-saving equipment are tough to mute, a new study suggests
that some sounds, such as lullabies, may soothe pre-term babies and their
parents, and even improve the infants' sleeping and eating patterns, while decreasing
parents' stress (Pediatrics, 2013).
Researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center's Louis Armstrong
Center for Music and Medicine conducted the study, which included 272 premature
babies 32 weeks gestation or older in 11 mid-Atlantic NICUs. They examined the
effects of three types of music: a lullaby selected and sung by the baby's
parents; an "ocean disc," a round instrument, invented by the Remo
drum company, that mimics the sounds of the womb; and a gato box, a drum-like
instrument used to simulate two-tone heartbeat rhythms. The two instruments
were played live by certified music therapists, who matched their music to the
babies' breathing and heart rhythms.
Center for Music and Medicine conducted the study, which included 272 premature
babies 32 weeks gestation or older in 11 mid-Atlantic NICUs. They examined the
effects of three types of music: a lullaby selected and sung by the baby's
parents; an "ocean disc," a round instrument, invented by the Remo
drum company, that mimics the sounds of the womb; and a gato box, a drum-like
instrument used to simulate two-tone heartbeat rhythms. The two instruments
were played live by certified music therapists, who matched their music to the
babies' breathing and heart rhythms.
The researchers found that the gato box, the Remo ocean disc
and singing all slowed a baby's heart rate, although singing was the most
effective. Singing also increased the amount of time babies stayed quietly
alert, and sucking behavior improved most with the gato box, while the ocean
disc enhanced sleep. The music therapy also lowered the parents' stress, says
Joanne Loewy, the study's lead author, director of the Armstrong center and
co-editor of the journal Music and Medicine.
and singing all slowed a baby's heart rate, although singing was the most
effective. Singing also increased the amount of time babies stayed quietly
alert, and sucking behavior improved most with the gato box, while the ocean
disc enhanced sleep. The music therapy also lowered the parents' stress, says
Joanne Loewy, the study's lead author, director of the Armstrong center and
co-editor of the journal Music and Medicine.
"There's just something about music — particularly live
music — that excites and activates the body," says Loewy, whose work is
part of a growing movement of music therapists and psychologists who are
investigating the use of music in medicine to help patients dealing with pain,
depression and possibly even Alzheimer's disease. "Music very much has a
way of enhancing quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery."
music — that excites and activates the body," says Loewy, whose work is
part of a growing movement of music therapists and psychologists who are
investigating the use of music in medicine to help patients dealing with pain,
depression and possibly even Alzheimer's disease. "Music very much has a
way of enhancing quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery."
Music to treat pain and reduce stress
While music has long been recognized as an effective form of
therapy to provide an outlet for emotions, the notion of using song, sound
frequencies and rhythm to treat physical ailments is a relatively new domain,
says psychologist Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, who studies the neuroscience of music
at McGill University in Montreal. A wealth of new studies is touting the
benefits of music on mental and physical health. For example, in a
meta-analysis of 400 studies, Levitin and his postgraduate research fellow,
Mona Lisa Chanda, PhD, found that music improves the body's immune system
function and reduces stress. Listening to music was also found to be more
effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery (Trends in
Cognitive Sciences, April, 2013).
therapy to provide an outlet for emotions, the notion of using song, sound
frequencies and rhythm to treat physical ailments is a relatively new domain,
says psychologist Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, who studies the neuroscience of music
at McGill University in Montreal. A wealth of new studies is touting the
benefits of music on mental and physical health. For example, in a
meta-analysis of 400 studies, Levitin and his postgraduate research fellow,
Mona Lisa Chanda, PhD, found that music improves the body's immune system
function and reduces stress. Listening to music was also found to be more
effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery (Trends in
Cognitive Sciences, April, 2013).
"We've found compelling evidence that musical
interventions can play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating
rooms to family clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is
Your Brain on Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to
just how music influences health. The researchers found that listening to and
playing music increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and
natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the
immune system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone
cortisol.
interventions can play a health-care role in settings ranging from operating
rooms to family clinics," says Levitin, author of the book "This is
Your Brain on Music" (Plume/Penguin, 2007). The analysis also points to
just how music influences health. The researchers found that listening to and
playing music increase the body's production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and
natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses and boost the
immune system's effectiveness. Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone
cortisol.
"This is one reason why music is associated with
relaxation," Levitin says.
relaxation," Levitin says.
One recent study on the link between music and stress found
that music can help soothe pediatric emergency room patients (JAMA Pediatrics,
July, 2013). In the trial with 42 children ages 3 to 11, University of Alberta
researchers found that patients who listened to relaxing music while getting an
IV inserted reported significantly less pain, and some demonstrated
significantly less distress, compared with patients who did not listen to
music. In addition, in the music-listening group, more than two-thirds of the
health-care providers reported that the IVs were very easy to administer —
compared with 38 percent of providers treating the group that did not listen to
music.
that music can help soothe pediatric emergency room patients (JAMA Pediatrics,
July, 2013). In the trial with 42 children ages 3 to 11, University of Alberta
researchers found that patients who listened to relaxing music while getting an
IV inserted reported significantly less pain, and some demonstrated
significantly less distress, compared with patients who did not listen to
music. In addition, in the music-listening group, more than two-thirds of the
health-care providers reported that the IVs were very easy to administer —
compared with 38 percent of providers treating the group that did not listen to
music.
"There is growing scientific evidence showing that the
brain responds to music in very specific ways," says Lisa Hartling, PhD,
professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and lead author of the
study. "Playing music for kids during painful medical procedures is a
simple intervention that can make a big difference."
brain responds to music in very specific ways," says Lisa Hartling, PhD,
professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and lead author of the
study. "Playing music for kids during painful medical procedures is a
simple intervention that can make a big difference."
Music can help adult patients, too. Researchers at Khoo Teck
Puat Hospital in Singapore found that patients in palliative care who took part
in live music therapy sessions reported relief from persistent pain (Progress
in Palliative Care, July, 2013). Music therapists worked closely with the
patients to individually tailor the intervention, and patients took part in
singing, instrument playing, lyric discussion and even song writing as they
worked toward accepting an illness or weighed end-of-life issues.
Puat Hospital in Singapore found that patients in palliative care who took part
in live music therapy sessions reported relief from persistent pain (Progress
in Palliative Care, July, 2013). Music therapists worked closely with the
patients to individually tailor the intervention, and patients took part in
singing, instrument playing, lyric discussion and even song writing as they
worked toward accepting an illness or weighed end-of-life issues.
"Active music engagement allowed the patients to
reconnect with the healthy parts of themselves, even in the face of a
debilitating condition or disease-related suffering," says music therapist
Melanie Kwan, co-author of the study and president of the Association for Music
Therapy, Singapore. "When their acute pain symptoms were relieved,
patients were finally able to rest."
reconnect with the healthy parts of themselves, even in the face of a
debilitating condition or disease-related suffering," says music therapist
Melanie Kwan, co-author of the study and president of the Association for Music
Therapy, Singapore. "When their acute pain symptoms were relieved,
patients were finally able to rest."
The healing power of vibration
At its core, music is sound, and sound is rooted in
vibration. Led by Lee Bartel, PhD, a music professor at the University of Toronto,
several researchers are exploring whether sound vibrations absorbed through the
body can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia and
depression. Known as vibroacoustic therapy, the intervention involves using low
frequency sound — similar to a low rumble — to produce vibrations that are
applied directly to the body. During vibroacoustic therapy, the patient lies on
a mat or bed or sits in a chair embedded with speakers that transmit vibrations
at specific computer-generated frequencies that can be heard and felt, says
Bartel. He likens the process to sitting on a subwoofer.
vibration. Led by Lee Bartel, PhD, a music professor at the University of Toronto,
several researchers are exploring whether sound vibrations absorbed through the
body can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia and
depression. Known as vibroacoustic therapy, the intervention involves using low
frequency sound — similar to a low rumble — to produce vibrations that are
applied directly to the body. During vibroacoustic therapy, the patient lies on
a mat or bed or sits in a chair embedded with speakers that transmit vibrations
at specific computer-generated frequencies that can be heard and felt, says
Bartel. He likens the process to sitting on a subwoofer.
In 2009, researchers led by Lauren K. King of the Sun Life
Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid
Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario, found that short-term use of
vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's disease patients led to improvements in
symptoms, including less rigidity and better walking speed with bigger steps
and reduced tremors (NeuroRehabilitation, December, 2009). In that study, the
scientists exposed 40 Parkinson's disease patients to low-frequency 30-hertz
vibration for one minute, followed by a one-minute break. They then alternated
the two for a total of 10 minutes. The researchers are now planning a long-term
study of the use of vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's patients, as part of
a new partnership with the University of Toronto's Music and Health Research
Collaboratory, which brings together scientists from around the world who are
studying music's effect on health.
Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid
Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario, found that short-term use of
vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's disease patients led to improvements in
symptoms, including less rigidity and better walking speed with bigger steps
and reduced tremors (NeuroRehabilitation, December, 2009). In that study, the
scientists exposed 40 Parkinson's disease patients to low-frequency 30-hertz
vibration for one minute, followed by a one-minute break. They then alternated
the two for a total of 10 minutes. The researchers are now planning a long-term
study of the use of vibroacoustic therapy with Parkinson's patients, as part of
a new partnership with the University of Toronto's Music and Health Research
Collaboratory, which brings together scientists from around the world who are
studying music's effect on health.
The group is also examining something called thalmocortical
dysrhythmia — a disorientation of rhythmic brain activity involving the
thalamus and the outer cortex that appears to play a role in several medical
conditions including Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and possibly even Alzheimer's
disease, says Bartel, who directs the collaboratory.
dysrhythmia — a disorientation of rhythmic brain activity involving the
thalamus and the outer cortex that appears to play a role in several medical
conditions including Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and possibly even Alzheimer's
disease, says Bartel, who directs the collaboratory.
"Since the rhythmic pulses of music can drive and
stabilize this disorientation, we believe that low-frequency sound might help
with these conditions," Bartel says. He is leading a study using
vibroacoustic therapy with patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The hope is
that using the therapy to restore normal communication among brain regions may
allow for greater memory retrieval, he says.
stabilize this disorientation, we believe that low-frequency sound might help
with these conditions," Bartel says. He is leading a study using
vibroacoustic therapy with patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The hope is
that using the therapy to restore normal communication among brain regions may
allow for greater memory retrieval, he says.
"We've already seen glimmers of hope in a case study
with a patient who had just been diagnosed with the disorder," Bartel
says. "After stimulating her with 40-hertz sound for 30 minutes three
times a week for four weeks, she could recall the names of her grandchildren
more easily, and her husband reported good improvement in her condition."
with a patient who had just been diagnosed with the disorder," Bartel
says. "After stimulating her with 40-hertz sound for 30 minutes three
times a week for four weeks, she could recall the names of her grandchildren
more easily, and her husband reported good improvement in her condition."
The goal of all of this work is to develop
"dosable" and "prescribable" music therapy and music as
medicine protocols that serve specific neurologic functions and attend to
deficits that may result from many of these neurologically based conditions.
Rather than viewing music only as a cultural phenomenon, Bartel says, the art
should be seen as a vibratory stimulus that has cognitive and memory
dimensions.
"dosable" and "prescribable" music therapy and music as
medicine protocols that serve specific neurologic functions and attend to
deficits that may result from many of these neurologically based conditions.
Rather than viewing music only as a cultural phenomenon, Bartel says, the art
should be seen as a vibratory stimulus that has cognitive and memory
dimensions.
"Only when we look at it in this way do we start to see
the interface to how the brain and body work together."
the interface to how the brain and body work together."
The beginner’s guide to yoga
SPICE OF LIFE: “In its entirety, yoga is a way of life that
will slowly change the way you perceive the world.”
will slowly change the way you perceive the world.”
Yoga can change your life, but only if you don’t rush
headlong into it. Finding the right instructor is most crucial.
headlong into it. Finding the right instructor is most crucial.
While yoga is being marketed globally for its therapeutic
and holistic benefits after two high-profile celebrations of the International
Day of Yoga, it’s start-up problems that bedevil new enthusiasts of the ancient
practice. With so many forms and interpretations in currency, it’s not always
easy finding the right yoga instructor. “I like to use the analogy of the
blindfolded men trying to identify an elephant,” says Vasant Jajoo, who blends
therapeutic elements of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana with
the form popularised by B.K.S. Iyengar, at his studio in Bengaluru.
and holistic benefits after two high-profile celebrations of the International
Day of Yoga, it’s start-up problems that bedevil new enthusiasts of the ancient
practice. With so many forms and interpretations in currency, it’s not always
easy finding the right yoga instructor. “I like to use the analogy of the
blindfolded men trying to identify an elephant,” says Vasant Jajoo, who blends
therapeutic elements of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana with
the form popularised by B.K.S. Iyengar, at his studio in Bengaluru.
Over time, yoga inculcates mindfulness and awareness. As Mr.
Jajoo says, “In its entirety, yoga is a way of life that will slowly change the
way you perceive the world.” But first, you need to find a teacher who can
guide you on this path.
Jajoo says, “In its entirety, yoga is a way of life that will slowly change the
way you perceive the world.” But first, you need to find a teacher who can
guide you on this path.
1. Discuss your goals: “Beginners should not get bogged down
by the different schools of yoga, but should concentrate on finding an
experienced teacher who can guide them on this journey,” says Mr. Jajoo, who
has been teaching and practising yoga for nearly15 years. He suggests word of
mouth over apps that promise to send a teacher to your doorstep. “Don’t
hesitate to get reviews from existing students. Discuss your goals and
expectations, so that everyone is on the same page.”
by the different schools of yoga, but should concentrate on finding an
experienced teacher who can guide them on this journey,” says Mr. Jajoo, who
has been teaching and practising yoga for nearly15 years. He suggests word of
mouth over apps that promise to send a teacher to your doorstep. “Don’t
hesitate to get reviews from existing students. Discuss your goals and
expectations, so that everyone is on the same page.”
2. Weight loss is incidental: Be wary of those who tout yoga
as the answer to diabetes and a cure for other illnesses or, use the practice
as a weight-loss tool. “Losing weight is incidental,” says Syamla Monie, who
trained at The Yoga Institute in Mumbai, which was founded in 1918 and focusses
on classical yoga. Ms. Monie has been practising “classical householder’s yoga”
in Mumbai for 20 years and shows her students how to integrate the practice
with day-to-day activities. “Yoga is not about showing off your headstand or
contorting your body. The instructor should be for the well-being of his or her
students. Only if people devote time to their physical and mental health can
they take care of their family,” she says.
as the answer to diabetes and a cure for other illnesses or, use the practice
as a weight-loss tool. “Losing weight is incidental,” says Syamla Monie, who
trained at The Yoga Institute in Mumbai, which was founded in 1918 and focusses
on classical yoga. Ms. Monie has been practising “classical householder’s yoga”
in Mumbai for 20 years and shows her students how to integrate the practice
with day-to-day activities. “Yoga is not about showing off your headstand or
contorting your body. The instructor should be for the well-being of his or her
students. Only if people devote time to their physical and mental health can
they take care of their family,” she says.
3. Don’t hide your health problems: The relationship between
an instructor and a student is one that is built on honesty, much like a doctor
or a patient. Mr. Jajoo advises people to discuss their health problems. For
instance, if you have a bad knee or a weak back or are prone to migraines, you
should tell your teacher in advance. Some asanas can provide relief; others can
exacerbate the problem. He gives the example of shirshasana or the headstand.
“A trained yoga therapist will know that a student with cervical spondylosis
should not be allowed to attempt shirshasana. But the asana is known to help
people prone to migraines. A yoga therapist should be able to modify an asana
to suit a person’s needs.”
an instructor and a student is one that is built on honesty, much like a doctor
or a patient. Mr. Jajoo advises people to discuss their health problems. For
instance, if you have a bad knee or a weak back or are prone to migraines, you
should tell your teacher in advance. Some asanas can provide relief; others can
exacerbate the problem. He gives the example of shirshasana or the headstand.
“A trained yoga therapist will know that a student with cervical spondylosis
should not be allowed to attempt shirshasana. But the asana is known to help
people prone to migraines. A yoga therapist should be able to modify an asana
to suit a person’s needs.”
4. Go slow: Hatha yoga practitioner Ratna V. does not
introduce new students to complicated series such as the surya namaskar, which
has at least 12 steps, immediately. “Students have to learn how to hold each
posture correctly, and the right breathing techniques. Even in a group class, a
teacher should be able to spot a student who is struggling with a pose and
correct them gently,” she says.
introduce new students to complicated series such as the surya namaskar, which
has at least 12 steps, immediately. “Students have to learn how to hold each
posture correctly, and the right breathing techniques. Even in a group class, a
teacher should be able to spot a student who is struggling with a pose and
correct them gently,” she says.
5. Do not ignore meditation and pranayama: Pranayama
exercises your lungs, helps you become more aware of your body and is a vital
part of yoga. Here, too, teachers should exercise caution. Some of the
breathing exercises should not be taught to beginners or people recovering from
a laparoscopy or other surgeries, say experts.
exercises your lungs, helps you become more aware of your body and is a vital
part of yoga. Here, too, teachers should exercise caution. Some of the
breathing exercises should not be taught to beginners or people recovering from
a laparoscopy or other surgeries, say experts.
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