Found this very interesting article at Dr. Amen’s website. Interestingly, all major world religions have some sort of ‘toning’ technique described below. The article also discusses the harmful effects of rap and heavy metal music and Mozart’s benefits to children with ADD.
“Don Campbell, founder of the Institute of Music, Health and Education, lists the benefits of using your voice to enhance mood and memory. He says that all forms of vocalization, including singing, chanting, yodeling, humming, reciting poetry, or simply talk can be therapeutic. “
“”Nothing rivals toning,” he concludes. The word ‘toning’ goes back to the fourteenth century and means to make sounds with elongated vowels for extended periods of time. Ah, ou (such as in soup), ee, ay, oh and om are examples of toning sounds. Campbell writes that when people tone on a regular basis for 5 minutes a day, “I have witnessed thousands of people relax into their voices, become more centered in their bodies, release fear and other emotions, and free themselves from physical pain…I have seen many people apply toning in practical ways, from relaxing before a dreaded test to eliminating symptoms of tinnitus or migraine headaches…Toning has been effective in relieving insomnia and other sleep disorders….Toning balances brain waves, deepens the breath, reduces the heart rate and imparts a general sense of well-being.” Campbell reports that in his experience certain sounds tend to have certain effects on the body and emotions:
Ahhh – immediately evokes a relaxation response,
Ee or Ay – is the most stimulating of vowel sounds, helps with concentration, releasing pain and anger,
Oh or Om – considered the richest of sounds, can warm skin temperature and relax muscle tension. Try toning for 5 minutes a day for 2 weeks to see if it will help you.”
“Listen to Classical Music
In a similar way, listen to a lot of great music. Music, from country to jazz, from rock to classical, is one of the true joys of life. Music has many healing properties. Listening to music can activate and stimulate the temporal lobes and bring peace or excitement to your mind.”
“Certain music can also be very destructive. It is no coincidence that the majority of teenagers who end up being sent to residential treatment facilities or group homes listen to more heavy metal music than other teens. Music that is filled with lyrics of hate and despair encourage those same mind states in developing teens. What your children listen to may hurt them. Teach them to love classical music when they are young.”
