How Does Music Affect the Brain

Music has been an integral part of the human lifestyle from a long time. It is believed to have been a part of civilizations that existed 50,000 years ago. It is very interesting to note that music evolved as a means of expression, and hence, generally, reflects the social, economic, environmental, religious and all the other aspects related to humans. Thus, music was, and still is, a way to express a range of emotions and feelings. This process, in itself, has a great relieving effect, and works wonders for the peaceful operation of the brain. When the mental faculty is provided a vent for its restless thought process, it automatically boosts the functioning of the brain, and conclusively of all the other body processes.

Brain development is a process of training the thought process in such a way that it maintains proper working. There are two possible ways to understand how does music affect the brain. The obvious effects of music through general observation, and the scientific approach.

Effects of Music - General Observation

The most important observation in this regard is that of the , everybody likes some or the other type of music. Some might enjoy pop, some enjoy classical music, like Indian classical music, while others enjoy compositions of Mozart. The fact that it is 'liked' by every person has a psychological effect on their mind. You are usually, happy and relaxed when you do an activity you like. Happiness is a cure to all major illness or lifestyle diseases existing in this world, and music is the single largest facilitator for creating happy thoughts. The effect of music on the brain is analogous to spraying water on a dusty and hot land. Just as water settles the dust in the air, music acts as though layering the innumerable thoughts clogging your brain.

Similarly, there is an instant elevation in the mood, which is evident from the energy levels infused by listening to your favorite rock music or country music. It can calm your nerves and even make you go wild. It can stimulate particular behavior by inspiring the thinking process of the brain. There is a further boost in actions due to this effect. Examples include the new found energy levels on a battlefield, if you happen to hear patriotic songs, sulking even more on breaking up with your girlfriend, if you keep on listening to sad songs, and varying concentration levels of the mind.

Effects of Music - Scientific Observation

The effects of music on the mind and brain have been a subject of scientific study for many years. It still constitutes a large field of study to understand its medical implications and also as a healer. In fact, music therapy is found to be very effective in treating seizures, depression, treatment of ADD people, insomnia, or conditions like premature infancy.

Problems like excessive worry, anxiety, or depression create a 'chaotic' situation in the brain, hampers its working power, reasoning ability, and execution of conventional tasks becomes difficult. It happens because of reduced levels of serotonin. 50 million of the brain cells are affected by levels of serotonin. Music effects a steep rise in the levels of serotonin, which has positive influences on brain cells controlling mood, sexual desires and processes, memory power and learning, temperature regulatory mechanism of the body, sleep and memory functions.

If knowledge is food for thought, music is the digestive system that makes sure that it is assimilated in a proper way. The next time you find yourself confronting the question how does music affect the brain, simply venture out to the nearest coffee place playing soft music or visit a loud disco club. The effect would be pretty clear!