Today is my birthday and an article in the Epoch Times two days ago inspired me to post a little personal and general information about how music shapes our development in the womb and beyond!
From the article entitled: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/how-music-shapes-us-before-birth-relieves-pain-and-improves-focus-5809052?ea_src=frontpage&ea_cnt=a&ea_med=top-news-5-top-stories-0-title-0, the author, Emma Suttie, D. ac, AP, stated the following -
"Music has been a long companion of humanity, with evidence that it played a role in daily life as early as 40,000 years ago.
"It’s a powerful force that can shape our thoughts and feelings, unlock memories, and strengthen social bonds. Science has explored music’s influence on us—from enhancing cognitive function to boosting our mood.
"Emerging research reveals how the earliest encounters with music may shape our development. At the same time, scientists are uncovering unique aspects of how music affects our pain perception and ways it can improve our focus and concentration—deepening our understanding of its healing capabilities."
I for one, certainly agree with Emma! When I was in music school a little over 40 years ago, I took a series of courses involving music therapy as they were part of a music teaching curriculum.
It was known then that music had therapeutic abilities and aspects that no other art form can rival. Since it involves the mind, heart, and spirit, it can be a powerful tool to help people get through personal crises as well as everyday stressors.
There is mention in the article of several therapeutic aspects including:
Reduction of pain
Improvement of mood
Increase in cognitive ability
Decrease in anxiety for prenatal mothers
It is AMAZING how God in His wisdom created us to respond to beauty in many different ways.
I will mention one caveat: The music discussed in the article was melodic, rhythmic and pleasing to the senses. There was no mention of heavy metal, acid rock, or rap as being therapeutic. Sorry fringe folks!
Remember that in certain environments, music has powerful healing attributes!
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