Sound has always excited people through ages. Indeed, even the men of Stone Age enjoyed makingmusic with the aid of rude instruments crafted out of stones. Sure, times have changed with numerousnew artifacts being able to produce sound. Unfortunately, mental ailments have become numerous toowith instances of depression affecting the populace in the developed world.
Medical professionals have found reason to rejoice at present though. It has been observed that treating the brain cells with ultrasound waves for a period of half an hour or so can be highly effective in alleviating anxiety and enhancing the mood.
Snapping out of depression with the aid of music had been a regular practice for the ancient Greeks as well. The philosophers who doubled up as physicians endorsed the use of music for curing manic disorders. There were healing shrines that employed musicians for curing of mental disorders and reduce depression. The modern day sound therapy was formulated after the end of WWII when thousands of soldiers had to be treated with music for stress & depression so that they could return as functional individuals to the society.
The creation of the “National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT)” in 1950 gave recognition to the healing power of sound. It merged with the, “American Association for Music Therapy (AAMT)” in 1998 to form the world’s most prominent music therapy center “The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)”
While music does play a great part in reliving the mind of anxiety and worries, scientists have been conducting several research studies to prove the positive effect of sound waves on the brain cells too. The subjects reported a feeling of elation and wellbeing after being treated with sonic waves for one time.
The burst of sound affects the nerve cells of the brain located within the limbic system. The area is believed to be in control of moods and emotions in general. The scientists associated with the research hope to use sound as an alternative to the drugs that are prescribed to patients for depression.
A similar study was also carried out by the scientists belonging to the, ‘University of Arizona.’ The results proved to be highly satisfactory prompting Professor Nick Craddock from the ‘Royal College of Psychiatrists’ to say, “It is interesting that ultrasound to the head has some effects on brain function and can influence mood.” However, there is a need for conducting clinical trials before it can be used safely for curing clinical depression anxiety issues.
True there have been numerous studies conducted to highlight the positive aspects of music on one’s mood. The results that seem to be intensely exciting include but are not limited to:-
