Is there an established theory on the health benefits of listening to classic music?

Answer 1

Yes there are. Music has been used throughout human history to express and affect human emotion. In biblical accounts, King Saul was reportedly soothed by David's harp music, and the ancient Greeks expressed thoughts about music having healing effects as well.
Many cultures are steeped in musical traditions.

Music stimulates brainwaves, with fast beats making the mind more awake, alert and sharp. Slow music, on the other hand, calms the brain and makes it relax. Music also induces the autonomous nervous system to slow down breathing and heart rate, bringing the body to a more relaxed state. And with the body and mind relaxed, feelings of anxiety and depression are lessened.

Because of the healing properties of music, a kind of health care method called music therapy is now growing in popularity. Music therapy is now being used in some hospitals to calm down patients, to speed up healing and to alleviate pain. It is also used to treat people suffering from clinical depression or anxiety, as well as children afflicted with attention deficiency disorder.

The apparent health benefits of music to patients in Veterans Administration hospitals following World War II lead to it being studied and formalized as a complementary healing practice. Musicians were hired to continue working in the hospitals.

Degrees in music therapy became available in the late 1940s, and in 1950, the first professional association of music therapists was formed in the United States. The National Association of Music Therapy merged with the American Association of Music Therapy in 1998 to become the American Music Therapy Association.

Music Therapy information on next sites;http://healthresources.caremark.com/topic/topic100587176
http://stress.about.com/od/products/tp/toppicksmusic.htm
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/music-appreciation/listening/4756.html
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/music-therapy
http://www.beautyden.com/healingmusic.shtml
http://classicalmusic.suite101.com/blog.cfm/classical_music_forums
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/music
http://ca.search.yahoo.com/search?p=health+benefits+of+listening+to+classical+music%3F&ei=UTF-8&rd=r1&fr=sfp&xargs=0&pstart=1&b=11

Answer 2

Well my theory is not established, but I will give it to you anyway. I am sure there are written theories and studies on this topic if you want to do a search..

In my opinion, music in almost all forms can be beneficial. Classical Music is a relaxing way to enjoy music that is truly amazing without standing in the back of a concert hall trying to get comfortable or grab a seat.

ok, So we can all agree that in an Aromatherapy sense, Lavendar and Chamomille are relaxing and soothing to the mind when used in beth bubbles, lotions, or anything else of that nature.
So lets use that same analysis to look at classical music.
Ok, so on the Health Benefits sense, classical music is used in relaxation techniques, lessening stress and anxiety, and helping people sleep better.

I personally use the lavendar and the classical music to relax and sleep - it works like a charm!


Great Question - Thanks

Answer 3

If it's established then it wouldn't be just a theory.

However, there are several published research studies that tend to prove that listening to classical music improves your thinking process abilities. And exposing young children to classical music has been proven to enhance their early learning development abilities. So it would certainly seem to benefit your mental health.

As to physical health benefits I'm not aware of studies suggesting it improves your physical health. However, I would certainly think that listening to classical music would lower blood pressure and heart rates for those suffering from such symptoms and for those prone to panic attack syndrome it would certainly be more soothing than punk rock or rap. And, as has been montioned, it would certainly help you sleep better.

Answer 4

I know that it works. If I start to stress, I put on Bach's Brandenburg Concertos ...here.. listen! http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Complete-Brandenburg-Concertos-Pearlman/dp/B000003D1F/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1196062994&sr=1-2... and it brings me right back. I feel balanced and centered (can you see me smiling?). The most interesting of studies in music therapy is that of an experiment conducted years ago. The music experiment compared the effects of classical music to rock and roll music on plant growth. Intriguingly, the classical music helped the plants to grow faster; whereas the rock music actually deteriorated the plant's growth.
Used for pain, migraines, cancer, stress, upset stomach, fatigue, depression and other, multiple disorders; music therapy can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, stress and anxiety. Most recently, music has been found to bolster the immune system and assists in harmonizing the symmetries in right and left frontal lobes of the brain, (in the case of mental disorders).
Classical Music Therapy All Rights Reserved by C. Bailey-Lloyd
http://ezinearticles.com/?Classical-Music-Therapy&id=43698
http://www.orderdown.info/2007/09/