by Laura S.

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

Healing yourself with music!

A growing body of medical evidence shows music isn't just beautiful; listening to and playing certain musical instruments produces actual physiological changes that can cure life-threaten ailments, tame tension and depression and even help people recover faster from illness and surgery!

Drums boost immunity!

No wonder the drum has been part of mediation ceremonies for centuries. A study shows drumming-even just rhythmically beating on a pot or table-increases natural killer T-cells and cuts depression-so much so that medical pros and prescribing it as an adjunct treatment for conditions from cancer to depression!

Harps keep hearts healthy!

Scientists have found that the harp's calming vibrations have a powerful ability to regulate an abnormal heartbeat, the reason many hospitals now use harp music in the O.R. during delicate heart procedures. Many doctors have observed that patients exposed to the harp music have less anxiety, fewer complications and required fewer medication.

Keyboards stop stress!

Playing a keyboard is so relaxing; its effects can be seen at the most basic cellular level! Stress can activate the DNA markers linked to everything from cancer to ulcers, and playing on a keyboard is three times more effective at shutting off stress than passively watching TV or reading. You don't need to get a teacher or be musical to benefit, simply playing around on an easy-to-play instrument like the keyboard is a proven stress relief.

Harmonicas improve lung function!

Playing by breathing in as well as blowing out, the harmonica gives than abdominal muscles supporting the lungs such a good workout, it's now being used in some hospitals as part of a treatment program for chronic lung problems like emphysema.

Flutes fight asthma!

In a four-year British study, kids with asthma who learned to play a woodwind instrument, like the flute or clarinet, improved both their breath control and inhaler technique-with some pretty impressive results: Researchers found a decrease in daytime and activity-related symptoms of more than 50% and a drop in nighttime symptoms of 70%!

Didgeridoos cure sleep apnea!

If you or someone you love suffers from sleep apnea-a potentially life-threatening condition in which soft tissue in the throat causes snoring and interrupts breathing (and sleep!)-this Australian Aboriginal instruments can help. It played with a kind of circular breathing than tones the throat muscles, significantly cutting sleep apnea symptoms. In fact, it can cure mild apnea.

Singing bowls improve your focus!

It's not surprising that these traditional Asian instruments-metal bowls played by running your fingers or a wooden stick around the rim-have been used for thousands of years to enhance meditation and prayer. Modern research shows listening to the multiple harmonic overtones they create effectively lowers blood pressure, quieting the mind.

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