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Music is a universal language that has throughout the centuries been used to inspire, stimulate, relax and heal both body and mind. Like the mood altering effects of drugs, music produces the chemical interactions that inspire, motivate or put you into a state of ease and aid sleep.

Listening to the the marching rhythm of Sousa's Washington Post March
can evoke national pride, while rock music can get you on the dance floor to boogie to the beat. While the Baroque music of J.S. Bach and Vivaldi helps put the mind into a relaxing mood..

Except for music that promotes hatred and evokes negative emotions, the benefits of music can:

* Improve memory and concentration ability
* Reduce anxiety
* Relieve depression
* Reduce blood pressure
* Boost the immune system and promote healing
* Help hyperactive children stay calm and focused
* Help improve visualization and induce a deep state of meditation
* Improve creativeness for problem solving

There are accredited music therapists that use music as the medium to help those with mental and emotional disorders. Those who suffer from AIDS, autism, depression or suffer from the trauma associated with brain injuries are the most likely to benefit through music therapy.

Music has shown to help ease the pains associated with arthritis. Elderly patients in hospitals and group homes are less likely to feel depressed and lonely. Recent studies show that music therapy helps those with Parkinson's and Dementia. Patients who listened to Classical music not only responded but were able to show improvement in their motor skills.

The simple melody of a favorite piece can bring back events long forgotten and recalled as if it was only yesterday. Some baby boomers
find R&B soothing while others remember the early days when the Beetles and the Beach Boys were a big hit. Religious minded people enjoy hymns and music with a spiritual message relaxing. War veterans enjoy listening to patriotic marching songs as a way to remember bygone days, feel youthful and ease the pains associated with age.

Everyone has a favorite piece of music they enjoy listening too. Some may find one type of music relaxing while others may find the same type irritating. Generally, rock, jazz, polka are not conducive for relaxation.

But whatever your favorite music is, whether J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor or easy listening, you can enjoy the healthful benefits any time of day or night. So pull out the ipod or put in a CD on the stereo and take yourself back to the sixties or listen to some old boring elevator music to get to sleep. It's good to know that here's a piece of music that's just right to get you into the mood you want at any time, day or night. You'll feel better and bring back the joy of living.

Learn more about this author, Mario Carini.
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