Meditation Music

Music as an Alternative Medicine

New Age music is peaceful music of various styles, which is intended to create inspiration, relaxation, and positive feelings, often used by listeners for yoga, massage, inspiration, relaxation, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments often associated with environmentalism and New Age Spirituality.The harmonies in new age music are generally modal, consonant, or include a drone bass. The melodies in new age music are often repetitive, to create a hypnotic feeling, and sometimes recordings of nature sounds are used as an introduction to a track or throughout the piece. Songs of up to 30 minutes duration are common.

New Age music includes both electronic forms, frequently relying on sustained pads or long sequencer-based runs, and acoustic forms, featuring instruments such as flutes, piano, acoustic guitar and a wide variety of non-western acoustic instruments. In many cases, high-quality digitally sampled instruments are used instead of natural acoustic instruments New age music with an ambient sound that has the explicit purpose of aiding meditation and relaxation, or aiding and enabling various alternative spiritual practices, such as meditative healing, chakra auditing, and so on.

Having said this in many cases new age music is used in addition to forms of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is any form of medicine that encompasses any healing practice that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine. Commonly examples of alternative medicine include,  naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies, in addition to other practices. Alternative medicine has become popular among many groups of people and it a widespread phenomenom used in the health and exercise field. Alternative medicine practices are diverse in their foundations. Alternative medicine practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing.

Many areas of alternative medicine such as meditation, yoga and hypnosis use new age music in their practice. Meditation and yoga especially rely on new age music when being implemented into an individuals life as an alternative medicine practice. New age music enhances both forms of alternative medicine when being incorporated into a routine. New age music and alternative music both promote a road to a healthy and spiritual life and when combined become a cohesive unit of  spirituality.

A study published in  states that a majority of alternative medicine use was in addition to  standard medical treatments. Approximately 4.4 percent of those studied used alternative medicine as a replacement for conventional medicine. The research found that those who used alternative medicine tended to have higher education or report poorer health status. Dissatisfaction with conventional medicine was not a meaningful factor in the choice, but rather the majority of alternative medicine users appear to be doing so largely because they find these health care alternatives to be more on tune with  with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical tendencies toward health and life.

Music and Yoga

There are many places online where you can get free yoga music downloads online. Incorporating yoga music can really enhance each session. There are all different types of free yoga music downloads, your taste in music will most likely determine the type of free yoga music you choose. There are many website you can go to, to download free yoga music.

One place to find free yoga music is on Radio Sri Chimnoy. Free yoga music available for download to an iPod. If you don’t want to download to a cd or iPod, you can listen right on your computer. There are a variety of free yoga music styles available. Such as, flute, pipe organ, harp, guitar by a variety of artists, in both calming and invigorating styles. It is completely free and offers yoga music for any meditative mood.

Another site that offers free yoga music is Embrace Meditation. This site has several free yoga music tracks and provides you with many options depending on your mood and type of work out you are looking to obtain on any given day.

Relaxing

With all the ways music affects your body, you can probably already clearly see how music can be used as an effective relaxation and stress management tool. There are many forms of relaxing music and soothing music. Depending on what you like will determine what type of  relaxing music or soothing music is for you In addition to the many physical changes that music can bring, Relaxing music and soothing music are especially helpful because they can be used in the following ways:

Music can promote relaxation of tense muscles, enabling you to easily release some of the tension you carry from a stressful day (or week). Popping on some relaxing music or soothing music will help you to loosen the tension that has built up and low for a peaceful period when nothing bothers you. Relaxing music or soothing music can help you get into the zone when practicing yoga, self hypnosis or guided imagery. Relaxing music or soothing music can help you feel energized when exercising, help dissolve the stress when you’re soaking in the tub, and be a helpful part of many other stress relief activities. Relaxing music and soothing music can take an effective stress reliever and make it even more effective by enhancing the effects by helping you to further relax and take care of yourself. Music, especially upbeat tunes, can take your mind off what stresses you, and help you feel more optimistic and positive. This helps release stress and can even help you keep from getting as stressed over life’s little frustrations in the future. Upbeat tunes can be considered relaxing music and soothing music to someone who needs to brighten their life a little.

Meditation

Meditation music includes music played with or listened to during meditation, music the performance of which is a meditation, or music which is meditative. Meditiation music may distract from or enhance meditation, and meditation may involve music making. Meditation music should be simple and soothing.

There is a branch of meditation called Nada yoga meditiation. In Nada meditation it is said that advance meditators hear divine “unstruck” sounds that arise from within the heart. Some of the sounds heard in meditation music are said to be in nature or have been duplicated by human beings. Some of the classical sounds in meditation include the rumble or thunder, the buzzing of bees and the deep sound of the waves. Some of the instruments that are inducive to meditation are the tamboura, tibetan singing bowl, the flute and the sitar. Some of the first organizations in producing meditation music have been organizations such as the Sanata Society, Sounds True and Inner Splendor Media.

Meditation music is a kind of music used for supporting the whole purpose of meditation and reviving the mind. Relaxation is a way of refreshing the mind, body and soul by doing something peaceful, tranquil and enjoyable. Basic purpose of any relaxation technique is simply to take mind away from its stress and to pump up the body. Meditation music used during meditation has a way of relaxing the body making it possible to achieve the ultimate meditation session. The basic principle on which meditation music and relaxation works is to push a person in to deeper sense of calmness, relaxation and to make him or her retain the right frame of mind and relax your body. The best way to treat your depression or exhaustion is to choose good meditation music and meditate by playing it in background. Another reason why this new area of meditation has become so popular and is so amazing is the fact that, music without a doubt is a universal language and caters to need of all kinds of people. From classical, jazz to instrumental there are hundreds of music categories choose from to create the ultimate mix of meditation music for your meditation routine.

Some of health benefits of meditation music and relaxation include good and sound sleep, lower cholesterol, strengthening of immune system and more. Things you can work on or treat using the combination of meditation music and relaxation are anxiety, depression, fear, emotional imbalance, anger, mood change, mind and body fatigue, headache, sleeplessness, irritability, breathlessness and lack of concentration or inability to think.

The biggest misconception about meditation, meditation music and relaxation is that you need to be spiritual and should know mediation poses. But the truth is that meditation music is a simple way to relax and all it requires you to do is close your eyes, take a deep breathe and concentrate on the music being played in the background. Meditation music is all about exercising yours mind to refresh it, revitalize it and strengthen it.

Brain Music

It has been known for a long time that music effects the human brain in many ways. Through continuous research much has been learned on the music effects of the human brain. It has been shown over and over again how music effects the human brain in the area of memory. Music effects the human brain memory function in many ways. Music helps bring back memories of past events and also assists in the memorization of ideas, facts, information etc. One such study show the music effects on the human brain memorization by analyzing students who spoke foreign languages. Students of foreign languages were shown to be able to learn hundreds of vocabulary items in one day when listening to appropriate music. They remembered the words over time at a level of 92% retention. This feat was accomplished with the use of baroque classical music. The tempo was the most successful at a steady rate of 60 beats per minute. At this tempo, people seemed to remember the most. This was one of the interesting music effects of the human brain.

Alzheimer’s patients have also been shown to benefit mentally from music effects on the human brain. Listening to music triggered certain memories to be recalled that had been otherwise forgotten. Parkinson’s patients also benefitted from the music effects on the human brain. Motor skills seemed to improve when some patients were better able to walk while music was being played. These are just a feel example on the how music effects the human brain.

Association Therapy

When using association therapy, music can play a big role in addressing the key issues that need to be discussed. Association Therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music improves the quality of life for people who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses, which is why it is so often used in Association therapy. Association therapy with music interventions are used to help promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation. Research on association therapy with music shows a great deal of effctiveness.

There are a few misconceptions regarding the use of music in association therapy. One of these misconceptions is that only classical music is used in association therapy. This is not true every style or genre of music is used in association therapy. Music of any nature elicits emotions, depending on the person. Each person is effected differently by what they hear, so it would be impossible to use only one type of music in association therapy. Another misconception is that the patient has to have some sort of music ability in order for the association therapy to work. There is no music ability needed to be able to feel the effects of this form of association therapy.

Stress and Anxiety

Music can affect the body in many ways, which is the basis for a growing field known as music therapy. You can use music in your daily life and achieve many stress and anxiety relief benefits on your own. One of the great benefits of music therapy as a stress and anxiety reliever is that it can be used while you go about your regular activities. In essence music therapy really doesn’t take time away from your busy schedule. Music Therapy provides a wonderful environment for your life so that you can find increased pleasure from what you’re doing and also reduce stress and anxiety from your day.

Your music therapy can be used at various points through out your day to reduce your stress and anxiety. The first part of your music therapy can start first thing in the morning. Wake up to music. Studies have proven that waking up to music can reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Your next step in your music therapy program can take place during your commute. Putting on your favorite music or song during your drive can help diminish any stress or anxiety you may be feeling because of traffic or lateness. It can also help create a diversion from thinking about everything you have to get done that day which is a major stress and anxiety inducer.

The next step in your music therapy program can take place in the kitchen. Cooking can be a stress and anxiety reliever or it can bring on stress and anxiety. If you get anxious while cooking, trying putting on some of your favorite tunes. This will help relax your body which will reduce the amount of stress and anxiety you may be feeling to complete the task at hand. In doing this you will likely find yourself sitting down to dinner in a much better mood and free of any stress and anxiety. You can also practice your music therapy routine while you are performing tasks like cleaning and paying the bills. Lets face both of these tasks can be tedious and things we like to put off as long as possible. Popping in a CD while doing either one of these things will help you to concentrate at the task at hand and reduce the chance of you putting it off because you are going to want to hear the music that is playing.

If you are having trouble sleeping it has been proven that music help in relaxing your body, giving you the ability to fall asleep. If your mind is filled with thoughts you are never going to be able to fall asleep, and the proper amount of sleep is needed everyday in order to stay healthy. Put on a soothing mix of songs and let it help your mind escape its worries and relax your body. So as you can see music really can help you get through your day at a much better pace and in a much more relaxed attitude. If this is something you have never tried before, try it. You will see and feel the healing effects of music almost immediately.

Sound Therapy

Sound Therapy is an effective and proven method of therapy. Sound therapy uses vibration sound to help reduce stress, alter consciousness and create a deep sense of peace, well being and better health. Sound has also been shown to be effective in the healing process for cancer patients by reducing stress and aiding in pain management. Sound therapy dates back to Tibetan Buddhism where the instruments, such as singing bowls were used for consciousness transformation and healing. Sound Therapy is becoming internationally recognized as an effective tool in the healing process of stress related conditions. Through sound therapy you can help reduce stress in your life, sleep restfully, balance your energy, gain confidence, communicate better, and improve concentration and more. Sound Therapy is the answer to many problems people suffer through everyday.

Tibetan singing bowls are used in Sound therapy very often. Through the pure crystal tones of singing bowls, the sound affects brain wave activity; one can travel into an altered state of consciousness. Singing bowls can target different parts of the brain. Singing bowls can set off and help release different hormones and neuro-chemicals which can suppress pain, strengthen willpower in one’s creative talents and overcome addictions. Sounds of singing bowls can be recorded to use over and over again, to help relieve similar problems that the use of singing bowls has already helped.

Music

In a recent music study it has been suggested the all music can be healing music. As most things in life this music study suggests that music is preference based, meaning that any type or genre can be classified as healing music. This music study proves the power of music and sound to summon healing. Music is commonly associated with its ability to connect to emotions, hence the expression healing music. Music has always been able to evoke certain feelings with a person; these feelings are completely subjective because of the non verbal communication that comes along with the effects of healing music.

This music study also concludes that it is more than just healing music. Music can bring back a memory that has been repressed for years and suddenly bring back every emotion you experienced during that time. Which is one aspect of healing music, the ability to bring out an emotion and sooth the deepest parts of your being. A music study has also shown that healing music a proven method to help anyone. This music study goes on to say that we have all been affected by at least one song in our life, or that music will bring us back to a period of time in out life and because of this we will begin to feel the effects of this healing music.

Energy Healing

Energy healing promotes healing by enhancing energy flow and correcting disturbances in the human energy field or aura surrounds the body. Improving the flow of energy supports the self-healing capacity of the body. Since everything is energy, all healing ultimately involves energy. Most healing methods are focused on the physical, mental and emotional levels of life, without much attention paid to the deeper underlying energy. Energy healing works with the energetic level of our being. Since everything is made up of energy, working with energy impacts the physical, mental and emotional, as well as the spiritual level. Energy healing is by nature, holistic.

Energy healing is part of the larger field of Energy Medicine. Use of herbs, crystals or sound frequency  are examples of energy medicine in that they contain patterns which influence the energetic patterns at work within the body. When working with energy healing there are different methods used. One such method is sound healing, which uses sound frequency to enhance the energy within. The use of sound frequency can help target certain areas of your energy. Each sound frequency used will appeal to a different area of your energy. A little research on sound frequency and energy healing will help you to determine which sound frequency will work best for you.

Sound Healing is the therapeutic application of sound frequency to the body with the intent of re-establishing health and harmonic balance. It has been said that the ears are one of the most important sense organs. The ears control balance and are the conductor of the entire nervous system. The use of sound frequency to regain balance in your life is very common, thus making energy healing a very common practice. Many people have dedicated their life to figuring out how the use of sound frequency and energy healing can possibly correct a problem you are experiencing in your life.  Energy healing effects change by positively influencing the energy field through the use of sound frequency or another form of energy healing.

The best use for sound as applied to healing comes from a Taoist practice called the Six Healing Sounds, or also known as the Six Soundless Sounds for Nourishing Life. Each sound frequency is associated with a particular body organ. You can practice all six sounds in order or only practice a specific sound frequency to treat specific conditions in the body . . . If you practice all six healing sounds you should practice them in the following order: Xu, Ke, Hu, Si, Chui, and Xi. Xu represents the liver, Ke, represents the heart and small intestine, Hu represents the stomach and spleen, Si represents the lungs and large intestine, Chui represents the kidneys and bladder and Xi represents the triple burner.