The Power of Baroque Music as Help for Anxiety

Baroque music i.e. music composed during the Baroque era (1600 - 1750) has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain. It is generally the slow movements of such music which has this effect.

It is believed to be it does this because the rhythm is around 60 beats per minute which is similar to a resting heartrate. The brain 'entrains' itself to rhythm. We have all noticed the tendency of our foot to tap when we hear certain types of music. This is the brain buying into the rhythm and going along with it.

We all have brainwaves which move at different frequencies depending what we are doing or thinking. An EEG recording is similar to the more familiar ECG for measuring the heart. With an EEG, however, the electrodes are placed on the head.

This is a painless procedure. The electrodes gives a readout of wiggly lines. These show the frequency of the brainwaves produced in the different areas.

What do the different brainwave frequencies mean?

Brainwaves in a human vary from beta waves (which are upwards of 15 cycles per second) and appear very spiky, through alpha waves, theta waves, and delta waves. 

Most of the time we are awake and participating in everyday life we have beta waves.

When we are deeply asleep we have a high percentage of delta waves which are like a gently rolling ocean.

So as we fall asleep our brainwaves gradually slow through all the stages to delta. Then they move back up again as we wake.

When we dream we are usually in theta and then if this is just one dream period we then go deeper again. There is a diagram of this on the page that explains nightmares.

Alpha waves are the daytime magic ones, when we are awake.

It is during alpha that we can access our unconscious thoughts. During hypnosis the client goes into the alpha state so that their issues may be accessed without the thinking and rationalising part of the brain getting in the way.

It is thought that it is during our dreams when we sleep that we resolve issues of the day and that is done during theta.

How do we know all this?

Research in Bulgaria have found that slow Baroque music entrains the brain into alpha waves. Studies have been done whereby such music, when played in the background during lessons in junior school classrooms, has a calming effect and enables children to concentrate on their lesson far better.

I have sometimes given patients suffering from PTSD or other severe anxieties which stopped them sleeping, or gave them constant nightmares, a CD of Baroque music with the instruction to just play it quietly in the background when they go to bed. In many cases this has had a significant effect and has enabled them to sleep better, often through the night, and to reduce the occurrence of nightmares.

To feel the calming effect of this music you don't have to consciously listen to it but to allow it to play softly in the background as you do everyday tasks. 

I have found some commercially available cds of this music which are available to buy should you wish. The most famous Baroque (1600-1760) composers are probably Bach, Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Handel Telemann, Purcell, Scarlatti. It is the slow, largo, movements of their works which are relevant here. There are few CDs available at present which are made up exclusively of such tracks so you may have to put together your own. Some of the tracks can be purchased individually as mp3 downloads on Amazon and similar sites.

If you feel inclined to listen to largo music combined with the sounds of nature, then I can recommend the Solitudes series by Dan Gibson, which do just that. There are two CDs of music by Pachelbel, Forever by the Sea and In the Garden as well as Bach Forever by the Sea which incorporates his music with the sounds of the ocean. Further details of these can be found in my Amazon Store.

Source: http://www.what-to-do-about-anxiety.com/baroque_music.html#.U2LUkKIVf15

Biology - Brain: Brain Activity During Meditation

The brain is an electrochemical organ - using electromagnetic energy to function. Electrical activity emanating from the brain is displayed in the form of brainwaves.

 

 

There are four categories of these brainwaves. They range from the high amplitude, low frequency delta to the low amplitude, high frequency beta. Men, women and children of all ages experience the same characteristic brainwaves. They are consistent across cultures and country boundaries.

During meditation brain waves alter.

• BETA - 13-30 cycles per second - awaking awareness, extroversion, concentration, logical thinking - active conversation. A debater would be in high beta. A person making a speech, or a teacher, or a talk show host would all be in beta when they are engaged in their work.
   
• ALPHA - 7-13 cycles per second - relaxation times, non-arousal, meditation, hypnosis
   
• THETA - 4-7 cycles per second - day dreaming, dreaming, creativity, meditation, paranormal phenomena, out of body experiences, ESP, shamanic journeys.

A person who is driving on a freeway, and discovers that they can’t recall the last five miles, is often in a theta state - induced by the process of freeway driving. This can also occur in the shower or tub or even while shaving or brushing your hair. It is a state where tasks become so automatic that you can mentally disengage from them. The ideation that can take place during the theta state is often free flow and occurs without censorship or guilt. It is typically a very positive mental state.

• DELTA - 1.5-4 or less cycles per second - deep dreamless sleep

Link: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ciencia_brain01.htm

Biology - Brain: Brain Waves

When you drop a small stone in water, you see waves. Similarly our heart and our brain have wave patterns. The wave pattern of the heart is measured by ECG (electro cardiograph). The brain waves are measured by EEG (electro encephalograph).

Using the brain wave studies, scientists have discovered that our brain waves are of four types.

The brain waves also have peaks that are similar to the peaks we see in water waves. The number of times the peak appears in one second is called "cycles per second ". For example, the electricity in India is of 50 cycles per second.

• Beta (13 to 25 cycles per second)
  This brain wave indicates that your conscious mind is in control. It indicates a mental state of logical thought, analysis, and action. You are alert and awake talking, speaking, doing, solving problems, etc.
   
• Alpha (8 to 12 cycles per second)
  This brain wave indicates relaxation and meditation. It is a state of relaxed alertness good for inspiration, learning facts fast.
   
• Theta (4 to 8 cycles per second)
  Deep meditation. This is associated with life-like imagination. This is best for suggestibility and inspiration. This brain wave is dominant in children of age 2 to 5.
   
• Delta (0.5 to 4 cycles per second)
  Deep dreamless sleep. Deep relaxation.

Left brain and right brain working together

Usually the left brain and the right brain waves are independent. They reach peaks independent of each other. During meditation and deep relaxation, the left brain waves and the right brain waves happen together.

 

For both, the peaks are reached together. This is called synchronization. Scientists now believe that synchronization makes much greater mind power available. This is associated with learning large amounts of information very quickly as well as with creativity. Brain self-control

Scientists had long believed that brain activity such as brain waves and secretion of brain chemicals were beyond conscious control. But, experiments on Swami Rama of the Himalayas and on biofeedback have now changed that belief. Now it is proven that some people can control their brain waves, etc. 

Link: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ciencia_brain01.htm

Brain Waves and Meditation

Mar. 31, 2010 — Forget about crystals and candles, and about sitting and breathing in awkward ways. Meditation research explores how the brain works when we refrain from concentration, rumination and intentional thinking. Electrical brain waves suggest that mental activity during meditation is wakeful and relaxed.

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"Given the popularity and effectiveness of meditation as a means of alleviating stress and maintaining good health, there is a pressing need for a rigorous investigation of how it affects brain function," says Professor Jim Lagopoulos of Sydney University, Australia. Lagopoulos is the principal investigator of a joint study between his university and researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) on changes in electrical brain activity during nondirective meditation.

Constant brain waves

Whether we are mentally active, resting or asleep, the brain always has some level of electrical activity. The study monitored the frequency and location of electrical brain waves through the use of EEG (electroencephalography). EEG electrodes were placed in standard locations of the scalp using a custom-made hat

Participants were experienced practitioners of Acem Meditation, a nondirective method developed in Norway. They were asked to rest, eyes closed, for 20 minutes, and to meditate for another 20 minutes, in random order. The abundance and location of slow to fast electrical brain waves (delta, theta, alpha, beta) provide a good indication of brain activity.

Relaxed attention with theta

During meditation, theta waves were most abundant in the frontal and middle parts of the brain.

"These types of waves likely originate from a relaxed attention that monitors our inner experiences. Here lies a significant difference between meditation and relaxing without any specific technique," emphasizes Lagopoulos.

"Previous studies have shown that theta waves indicate deep relaxation and occur more frequently in highly experienced meditation practitioners. The source is probably frontal parts of the brain, which are associated with monitoring of other mental processes."

"When we measure mental calm, these regions signal to lower parts of the brain, inducing the physical relaxation response that occurs during meditation."

Silent experiences with alpha

Alpha waves were more abundant in the posterior parts of the brain during meditation than during simple relaxation. They are characteristic of wakeful rest.

"This wave type has been used as a universal sign of relaxation during meditation and other types of rest," comments Professor Øyvind Ellingsen from NTNU. "The amount of alpha waves increases when the brain relaxes from intentional, goal-oriented tasks.This is a sign of deep relaxation, -- but it does not mean that the mind is void."

Neuroimaging studies by Malia F. Mason and co-workers at Dartmouth College NH suggest that the normal resting state of the brain is a silent current of thoughts, images and memories that is not induced by sensory input or intentional reasoning, but emerges spontaneously "from within."

"Spontaneous wandering of the mind is something you become more aware of and familiar with when you meditate," continues Ellingsen, who is an experienced practitioner. "This default activity of the brain is often underestimated. It probably represents a kind of mental processing that connects various experiences and emotional residues, puts them into perspective and lays them to rest."

Different from sleep

Delta waves are characteristic of sleep. There was little delta during the relaxing and meditative tasks, confirming that nondirective meditation is different from sleep.

Beta waves occur when the brain is working on goal-oriented tasks, such as planning a date or reflecting actively over a particular issue. EEG showed few beta waves during meditation and resting.

"These findings indicate that you step away from problem solving both when relaxing and during meditation," says Ellingsen.

Nondirective versus concentration

Several studies indicate better relaxation and stress management by meditation techniques where you refrain from trying to control the content of the mind.

"These methods are often described as nondirective, because practitioners do not actively pursue a particular experience or state of mind. They cultivate the ability to tolerate the spontaneous wandering of the mind without getting too much involved. Instead of concentrating on getting away from stressful thought and emotions, you simple let them pass in an effortless way."

Take home message

Nondirective meditation yields more marked changes in electrical brain wave activity associated with wakeful, relaxed attention, than just resting without any specific mental technique.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100319210631.htm

Meet Your Brain Waves — Introducing Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta, And Gamma

It’s important to understand how your brain contributes to the state of your mind. While most of us focus on looking at our emotions in an attempt to become happier, more spiritual beings, our brains waves and our subconscious mind also play a key part in our quest for fulfillment. 

In this article, we’ll be looking at our five brain wave frequencies and how they affect our state of mind, and will be following up on Thursday with a more in-depth look at the impact they have on us physically and mentally, in addition to some exercises we can do to “switch on” certain frequencies.

Are We The Controllers Of Our Reality?

We easily forget that we are the controllers of our reality – and that “our reality” is not made up of outside influences, but that it actually consists of our thoughts, beliefs and mindset.

Therefore, by learning about the deeper states of consciousness, you can open your subconscious mind and create your reality at will, and with precision. To do this, the first step is understanding your different brain frequencies. Did you know that we all have five (Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma), and each frequency is measured in cycles per second (Hz) and has its own set of characteristics representing a specific level of brain activity and a unique state of consciousness? Smart, eh?

1) Beta (14-40Hz) – The Waking Consciousness And Reasoning Wave

 

Beta brain waves are associated with normal waking consciousness and a heightened state of alertness, logic and critical reasoning.

While Beta brain waves are important for effective functioning throughout the day, they also can translate into stress, anxiety and restlessness.

The voice of Beta can be described as being that nagging little inner critic that gets louder the higher you go into range. Therefore, with a majority of adults operate at Beta; it’s little surprise that stress is today’s most common health problem.

2) Alpha (7.5-14Hz) – The Deep Relaxation Wave

Alpha brain waves are present in deep relaxation and usually when the eyes are closed, when you’re slipping into a lovely daydream or during light meditation. It is an optimal time to program the mind for success and it also heightens your imagination, visualization, memory, learning and concentration.

It is the gateway to your subconscious mind and lies at the base of your conscious awareness. The voice of Alpha is your intuition, which becomes clearer and more profound the closer you get to 7.5Hz.

The renowned Silva Method, by Jose Silva is premised on the power of Alpha. However the Silva Method allows you to achieve this deep relaxation through meditation during waking consciousness.

3) Theta (4-7.5Hz) – The Light Meditation And Sleeping Wave

Theta brain waves are present during deep meditation and light sleep, including the all-important REM dream state. It is the realm of your subconsciousness and only experienced momentarily as you drift off to sleep from Alpha and wake from deep sleep (from Delta).

It is said that a sense of deep spiritual connection and unity with the universe can be experienced at Theta. Your mind’s most deep-seated programs are at Theta and it is where you experience vivid visualizations, great inspiration, profound creativity and exceptional insight. Unlike your other brain waves, the elusive voice of Theta is a silent voice.

It is at the Alpha-Theta border, from 7Hz to 8Hz, where the optimal range for visualization, mind programming and using the creative power of your mind begins. It’s the mental state which you consciously create your reality. At this frequency, you are conscious of your surroundings however your body is in deep relaxation.

>Find out more about the Alpha State of Mind on the Silva Method blog

4) Delta (0.5-4Hz) – The Deep Sleep Wave

 

The Delta frequency is the slowest of the frequencies and is experienced in deep, dreamless sleep and in very deep, transcendental meditation where awareness is fully detached.

Delta is the realm of your unconscious mind, and the gateway to the universal mind and the collective unconscious, where information received is otherwise unavailable at the conscious level.

Among many things, deep sleep is important for the healing process – as it’s linked with deep healing and regeneration. Hence, not having enough deep sleep is detrimental to your health in more ways than one.

5) Gamma (above 40Hz) – The Insight Wave

This range is the most recently discovered and is the fastest frequency at above 40Hz. While little is known about this state of mind, initial research shows Gamma waves are associated with bursts of insight and high-level information processing.

Link: http://www.finerminds.com/mind-power/brain-waves/

Efectos de la música a nivel biologico

 

1. La música hace más lentas y uniformes las ondas cerebrales:

La música tiene el poder de modificar en nuestras ondas cerebrales. Las ondas beta se producen cuando estamos concentrados en las actividades diarias del mundo externo, y también cuando experimentamos emociones negativas fuertes. La calma y la mayor percepción o conciencia se caracterizan por ondas alfa, cuyo ciclo de frecuencia va de 8 a 13 hertzios. Los periodos de máxima creatividad, meditación y sueño se caracterizan por ondas theta, que oscilan entre 4 y 7 hertzios; el sueño profundo, la meditación profunda y el estado de inconsciencia producen ondas delta, que vibran entre 0,5 y 3 hertzios.

 

2. La música influye en la respiración:

La respiración es rítmica, y cada estimulo que le demos a esta hace que ese ritmo se modifique, si el tempo de una canción es lento se tendrá una respiración más profunda, en donde se controlan los sentimientos, las emociones y la calma, mientras una respiración acelerada genera un comportamiento impulsivo y genera una forma de pensar más dispersa.

3. La música influye en el ritmo cardíaco y la presión arterial:

El corazón cambia su ritmo al latir dependiendo de la frecuencia, tempo y volumen de la música. El corazón modifica su ritmo para seguir la velocidad de la música, por lo tanto se acelerara ante canción que sean rápidas y se relajara y clamara ante canciones lentas, al igual que la música influye en el cambio del ritmo cardíaco influye en el cambio de la presión arterial.

4. La música reduce la tensión muscular y mejora el movimiento y coordinación del cuerpo:

El sonido y la vibración de la música influyen en la fuerza, la flexibilidad y el tono muscular

5. La música influye en la temperatura:

Todos los sonidos y melodías perceptibles a nuestros oídos influyen de manera sutil, es por eso que para el cuerpo es más fácil adaptarse a los cambios entre el calor y el frio

6. La música aumenta los niveles de endorfinas:

Se ha formulado la teoría, de que el escuchar música agradable a la persona, le permite liberar endorfinas le produce cierta euforia que le permite disminuir el estrés, fortalecer su sistema inmunitario, por supuesto la producción de estas ayuda a superar el dolor y ayuda a la producción de linfocitos T que estimulan la inmunidad del cuerpo de forma natural.

7.. La música y el sonido estimulan la actividad inmunitaria:

Según estudios la insuficiencia de oxígeno en la sangre, conlleva a inmunodeficiencias y enfermedades degenerativas y también se considera que escuchar música y cantarla, promueve y permite la oxigenación de la sangre por la cual se permite al sistema inmunitario fortalecerse.

8.La música estimula la digestión:

Mas que la digestión, la música fomenta el apetito de las personas, el ritmo y la intensidad de esta genera reacciones en las personas de aceleración o calma, cuando se genera aceleración se tiende a comer mas rápido y mas, mientras que cuando se genera calma se crea un estado de relajación y disfrute, la persona por lo tanto no comerá tan rápido sino de forma más pausada y tranquila.

9.La música favorece la resistencia:

El tempo en las canciones genera energía y vitalidad siempre en cuando este sea más rápido, entre más velocidad tenga la música más energía tendrá la persona para realizar una actividad física como caminar, correr, entre otras.

Fuente: https://sites.google.com/site/musicoterapiaudea/musicoterapia-1/funcionamiento/anexos--funcionamiento-de-la-musicoterapia/efectos-de-la-musica-a-nivel-biologico