Do you use playlists to get your workout going,  soothing classical music to study or white noise to help you sleep?  What are these things called sound baths?

 It seems science has confirmed what we sort of knew all along.  Music can change our state. Helen Lavretsky, MD, a psychiatrist at UCLA, claims that  "Music affects the body's autonomic nervous system."  The autonomic nervous system controls body functions such as heart rate, respiration, and  digestion.  Music therapy also seems to decrease cortisol and boost immune system functioning.

According to Cochrane, an independent network that examines the results of many different studies, music can help to reduce the amount of pain medication that a patient requires at it seems to activate sensory pathways that compete with pain pathways.  15 years ago, I made a music tape with different versions of  Pachelbel Canon in D to use during labor. It anchored me as I was dealing with contractions.

Another study by Cochrane showed that listening to music positively affected cancer patients by reducing anxiety, helping with moods and increasing the quality of life.  It also appears to improve cognitive and behavioral stimulation in older adults.  

Sound baths are becoming popular here in Los Angeles.  Many yoga studios are starting to offer them as an addition to their standard classes.  In these classes, students usually lie on a comfortable mat and have an eye mask. After a few minutes of breath work the remainder of the experience is filled with different sounds and frequencies being introduced in succession. The purpose is to induce relaxation and explore personal inquiry.

My daughter loves the sound of rain.  Her name is Reina which seems an interesting coincidence.  She has a bit of anxiety around sleeping, and on her own, decided to record the rain storm outside last night.  She chose to listen to it as she fell asleep and had a wonderful rest.  

Being involved in wellness for many years, I love when we can find solutions that are easy, effective and do not have side effects.  Go ahead and make those playlists.  You will be happy that you did.