Music and healing have been associated... forever? From chanting healing songs over those who are sick to the profession of music therapy, music heals.
And this keeps being proven...
My recent guest on Zeitgeist Radio, Bri Reve, speaks about the healing power of songwriting. But equally as healing can be just listening to music. Those of you who have been with me for a while may remember music therapist Marlys, who shared some techniques for healing trauma with music (including... don't overdo it! Music can keep you stuck in negative loops too!). But I recently came across a study that really takes this to the next level.
Music, surgery and anesthesia
Doctors in India have been trying to improve patient outcomes when it comes to surgery recovery. Even under anesthesia, surgery is tough on the body. Stress markers spike even when the patient is unconscious.
The researchers were curious if listening to music would help. "The unconscious mind still has areas that remain active," said Dr Husain, one of the doctors in the study. "Even if the music isn't explicitly recalled, implicit awareness can lead to beneficial effects."
First of all, I find the idea that parts of our brains are still experiencing surgeries chilling.
But the results of this study probably won't be a surprise to you, my wonderful readers.
Patients were given the choice between calming flute or piano music. And, well:
Patients exposed to music required lower doses of propofol and fentanyl. They experienced smoother recoveries, lower cortisol or stress-hormone levels and a much better control of blood pressure during the surgery. "Since the ability to hear remains intact under anaesthesia," the researchers write, "music can still shape the brain's internal state."
The article later states:
If the brain is capable of picking up and remembering stressful experiences during surgery - even when a patient is unconscious - then it might also be able to register positive or comforting experiences, like music, even without conscious memory.
So put on some tunes during the stressful holidays, and don't worry if you fall asleep. You could still be getting some benefits!
Read the full article here.
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