SSI



Spatial Sound
Institute



Physiological Effects of Music and Sound
Research / Article.





1
Title

Testing a 2,500 year-old hypothesis: If music breathes new life into old blood cells... play on!



2
Author(s)

John Stuart Reid
4
Key Words

#musictherapy #healing #listening #soundpressurelevel #depression #anxiety #musicexperience
5
Year

2019               
6
PDF

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Link:

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3
Abstract

Pythagoras of Samos held the belief that music could be used in place of medicine and that it contributed greatly to health. Today, Music Therapy is a clinical discipline that focuses on, for example, supporting patients with depression or relieving anxiety during the pre and post-operative phases of a patient’s hospitalization. Music Therapy is generally defined as an intervention in which “the therapist helps the client to promote health, using music experiences and the relationships developing through them.” Many studies have been conducted that demonstrate the efficacy of Music Therapy, but now, interest is growing in the field of Music Medicine, which, as its name implies, focuses on the demonstrable benefits of music as treatment for specific maladies; one definition is, “listening to music without the presence of a therapist.” A Cochrane analysis of twenty-six Music Medicine clinical trials with a total of 1369 participants, titled, Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients, concluded that “listening to music may have a beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure and heart rate in people with coronary heart disease and appears to be effective in reducing anxiety in people with myocardial infarction.” The same report mentioned, “Listening to music may reduce pain and respiratory rate and appears to improve patients’ quality of sleep following a cardiac procedure or surgery.” Johns Hopkins Medicine also acknowledges the role of music in addressing illness and indicates a range of illnesses they aim to treat with music, including, Huntingdon Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia. However, the present study, described below, may indicate the need for an expanded definition of Music Medicine in which the entire body of the client or patient, or a specific part of the body, is immersed in music at a specific sound pressure level. Such immersion in a music field or in specific sound frequencies, may provide measurable and beneficial physiological effects, as distinct from the benefits associated with listening to music via headphones or speakers.


1
Title

Harmonically Guided Evolution


2
Author(s)

Richard Merrick
4
Key Words

#atomicresonance #DNA #harmonicGaussian #skeleton #humanbody
5
Year

2010  
6
PDF

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7
Link:

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3
Abstract

This paper proposes atomic resonance as a structural guide and predetermining condition for Darwinian evolution theory. Recent studies on the mesoscopic structures of water and carbon, together with the latest geometric DNA mapping theories, suggest that life emerges and grows according to predictable harmonic patterns found in organic chemistry, preserving and propagating specific atomic geometries into living organisms. Based on this and relevant neurophysiological research, a harmonic Gaussian interference model for cellular entrainment is presented to explain the origin of common organic geometries, including cardioid, ellipsoid and spiral primitives, as well as 3-fold exo- and 5-fold endo-skeleton structures. From this, a recursive harmonic Hilbert space is defined for use in evolutionary classi cation, physiological analysis and organic simulations. Examples are provided, including a step-wise analysis of the human body. Avenues for additional research are discussed, including application of harmonic Gaussian interference models to cosmology, cognition, medicine, social theory and philosophy.

1
Title

Effects of Rhytmic Drumming on EEG and Subjective Experience


2
Author(s)

Melinda C. Maxfield
4
Key Words

#EEG #drumming #indigenouscultures #ritual #neurophysiologicaleffects #brainwave #alteredstateofconsciousness #ASC #shamanicstateofconsciousness #SSC
5
Year

2014       
6
PDF

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7
Link:

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3
Abstract

The purpose of the research was to determine whether various drumming patterns would be associated with different brain wave activity, as measured by cortical EEG , and to determine if the subjective experience of percussion in general, and rhythmic drumming in particular, would elicit images or sensations with a common theme. Twelve participants were divided into three groups and monitored for EEG frequency response to three separate drumming tapes. These tapes included: Shamanic Drumming, at approximately 4 to 4 1/2 beats per second; I Ching Drumming, at approximately 3 to 4 beats per second; and Free Drumming, which incorporates no sustained rhythmic pattern. Four cortical sites, bilateral parieto-temporal and parieto- central areas, were monitored for each participant during three sessions. At the conclusion of the sessions, each participant prepared a brief written account and was given a tape-recorded interview of his or her subjective experience. These subjective experiences were then categorized according to recurring themes and consensual topics. This research supports the theories that suggest that the use of the drum by indigenous cultures in ritual and ceremony has specific neurophysiological effects and the ability to elicit temporary changes in brain wave activity, and thereby facilitates imagery and possible entry into an ASC (altered state of consciousness), especially the SSC (shamanic state of consciousness). Drumming in general, and rhythmic drumming in particular, often induces imagery that is ceremonial and ritualistic in content and is an effective tool for entering into a non-ordinary or altered state of consciousness (ASC) even when it is extracted from cultural ritual, ceremony, and intent. The drumming also elicits subjective experiences and images with common themes. These include: loss of time continuum; movement sensations, including pressure on or expansion of various parts of the body and body image distortion, "energy waves," and sensations of flying, spiraling, dancing, running, etc.; feelings of being energized, relaxed, sharp and clear, hot, cold, and in physical, mental, and/or emotional discomfort; emotions, ranging from reverie to rage; vivid images of natives, animals, people, and landscapes; and non-ordinary or altered states of consciousness (ASC), whereby one is conscious of the fact that there has been a qualitative shift in mental functioning., including the shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) journeys, out-of body experiences (OBEs), and visitations. A pattern that incorporates approximately 4 to 4 1/2 beats per second is the most inducting for theta gain. (Theta frequency is usually associated with drowsy, near- unconscious states, such as the threshold period just before waking or sleeping. This frequency has also been connected to states of "reverie" and hypnogogic or dream-like images). The pattern of the drumbeat as it relates to beats per second can be correlated with resulting temporary changes in brain wave frequency (cycles per second) and/or subjective experience, provided the drumming pattern is sustained for at least 13 - 15 minutes.
1
Title

Breaking the Sound Barriers of Disease: BioAcoustic Biology as a Viable Component of Integrative Medical Diagnostics and Treatment



2
Author(s)

Sharry Edwards
4
Key Words

#sound #voice #rhythm #bioacoustic #healing #voicespectralanalysis
5
Year

2013 
6
PDF

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7
Link:

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3
Abstract

It is the intention of this paper to present a foundational theory to explain the influence of sound, voice, rhythm and song as those forms of frequency manage and support optimal human form and function through BioAcoustic evaluation and entrainment using low frequency sound presentation. Over the last 20 years, this innovative, ground-breaking science has utilized voice spectral analysis (Vocal Profiling) and low frequency analog sound presentation, to reveal an inherent Mathematical Matrix of the body that seems to be able to predict, guide and maintain intrinsic form and function. This novel approach has provided an accumulation of impressive evidence that is staggering in its implications for health and healing. Merriam-Webster (www.m-w.com) defines “bioacoustics” as: “a branch of science concerned with production of sound by, and its effects on, living systems.” This term, as applied to humans, now refers specifically to the research pioneered by Sharry Edwards in the 1970’s using voice spectral analysis and the presentation of sound frequency to support normal form and function. Human BioAcoustics is experimental in nature and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe for, treat or claim to prevent, mitigate or cure disease.
1
Title

The Therapeutic Power of Vocal Sound. How Vocal Sound Positively Affects Every Cell in Our Body and The Cells of People in Close Proximity


2
Author(s)

John Stuart Reid
4
Key Words

#sounds #vocalsound #therapeuticvocalsound #body #positiveaffect #healing
5
Year
6
PDF

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7
Link:

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3
Abstract

Generating Amplified Thoughts; The Nature of Sound; Holographic Sound Principles; The Nature of Light; The Therapeutic Power of Vocal Sound