Brain Music Can Cure Many Body Ailments

Wellness

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 11:26

What do you know about Cerebral Music? The obvious answer to this will be a kind of sound track created by the brain, which to a huge extent will be the right assumption. Every brain composes a soundtrack. All that vary is the tempo and the tone; both has a distinct relationship with the mood and frame of mind.

Now, the Dept of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) has begun a study into a form of neurotraining called 'Brain Music' that uses music created in advance from listeners' own brain waves to help them deal with common ailments that stem from stressful environments. The concept of Brain Music is to use the frequency, amplitude, and duration of musical sounds to move the brain from an anxious state to a more relaxed state. "Strain comes with an emergency response job, so we are interested in finding ways to help these workers remain at the top of their game when working and get quality rest when they go off a shift," said S&T Program Manager Robert Burns. "Our goal is to find new ways to help first responders perform at the highest level possible, without increasing tasks, training, or stress levels," the expert added.

If the brain 'composes' the music, the first job of scientists is to take down the notes, and that is exactly what Human Bionics LLC of Purcellville, VA does. Each recording is converted into two unique musical compositions designed to trigger the body's natural responses. For example, by improving productivity while at work, or helping adjust to constantly changing work hours. The compositions are clinically shown to promote one of two mental states in each individual: relaxation - for reduced stress and improved sleep; and alertness - for improved concentration and decision-making. Each 2-6 minute track is a composition performed on a single instrument, usually a piano.

"The relaxation track may sound like a 'melodic, subdued Chopin sonata,' while the alertness track may have 'more of a Mozart sound,'" says Burns.
After their brain waves are set to music, each person is given a specific listening schedule, personalized to their work environment and needs. If used properly, the music can boost productivity and energy levels, or trigger a body's natural responses to stress.

The music created by Human Bionics LLC is being tested as part of the S&T Readiness Optimization Program (ROP), a wellness program that combines nutrition education and neurotraining to evaluate a cross population of first responders, including federal agents, police, and firefighters.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.