Music For The Restless Mind

0

Posted by admin | Posted in Health, Healthy Exercise | Posted on 30-07-2009

The origin of music as of late has not yet been dated as it is said to have been existent long before recorded history.  Historians say it may hav originated from naturally occuring sounds like the sound of thunder, or the rhythm of a flowing stream.  Human music may have started from primitive men trying to mimic these sounds using patterns, repetition, and tonality.  Even at present, certain cultures utilize music that imitate naturally occuring sounds.  Apart from  the usual bird song and animals tapping on hollowed logs to mark their territory, man’s voice is said to be the first musical instrument.

Music, in the olden days, was said to have been used mainly for shamanistic practices and beliefs,.  Apart from religious practices, it was also used for entertainment and/or practical functions.  Music is present during times of feasts and festivities, it is used as a form of praise and worship.  Men and women also used it to while away idle time.  Hunters used music to lure animals right into their traps.  Music has served a lot of function in primitive society.

Due to music’s functionality to sharmanism, it was believed that music’s main use was to be a means of communication to the spirit world.  Primitive people believed that spirits of different beings: nature, animal, or men, play vital roles  in human lives.  People also used to believe that their physical well-being is connected to the spirit, that illnesses and diseases were related to an imbalance in the harmony of the body and soul.  Shamans, or what we call witch doctors in present times, were the healers, gurus and magicians of their tribe. They are responsible for getting rid of illnesses by uttering chants, singing, dancing, meditating and drumming.

At present times, music is still being used as a form of therapy to provide stress relief and treat people with anxiety disorders among other mental conditions.  It is more popularly known as music therapy.  The form of therapy is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle.  It was first administered during World War 1 and 2 where community musicians would visit hospitals to play for physically and emotionally traumatized soldiers. Simply put, music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. These therapeutic goals may include: promoting wellness, managing stress, alleviating pain, expressing feelings, enhancing memory, improving communication and promoting physical rehabilitation.

Recent studies have shown that listening to music during an anxiety attack can help calm the person down. This proves most efficient for patients experiencing anxiety prior to undergoing surgery. It is the most easily administered, inexpensive, non-invasive, non-threatening tool to calm preoperative anxiety.

Music is an incredibly powerful form of expression. It combines words and melodies to get messages across.  Some songs may trigger different happy or sad memories in your mind.  This is the strongest proof that music affects human emotions.  Giving people with anxiety disorders a creative outlet such as music may be a good way for sufferers to, little by little, let out the source of their anxieties and alleviate patients’ moods.

Healthy individuals may use music therapy as a form of stress relief through active music making. The exercise includes drumming and using the guitar to make sounds. The passive approach requires listening for relaxation. Music can also be used as accompaniment during exercise like calisthenics, yoga, or tai chi.

Music has also been proven helpful to improve memory and motor skills for children in special classes. This also helps strengthen children’s non-musical functions such as their communication skills and physical coordination skills required for daily life.

Music has been very helpful for everyday living. From the primitive caveman to the modern scientists, everybody would agree in saying music is indeed the food for the soul, and in this therapy, for the mind and body as well.

Possibly Related Posts:


Tips For Getting Over Colds

0

Posted by admin | Posted in Health | Posted on 29-07-2009

People in the U.S suffer about one billion colds annually, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While that statistic is nothing to sneeze at, there is news that may bring many cold sufferers at least some relief: The right steps can help make colds easier to bear. Try these tips:

Catching A Cold?

A cold usually comes on slowly. Early symptoms include feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and having a runny nose. People who have colds do not always have fevers, or sometimes their fevers are very low-one to two degrees above normal. When you feel a cold coming on, try to stay home and rest, especially if you have a fever. It’s a good idea to stop smoking and to avoid secondhand smoke while you are ill (and while you’re healthy, too) and to keep away from alcohol.

Take The Right Vitamins

Not all vitamins get an “A+” when it comes to helping you stay healthy. Research now shows that some forms of vitamin C, such as Ester-C, provide an advanced type of protection. The patented supplement also contains vitamin C metabolites that may increase its effectiveness, and it is shown to work in the immune system for 24 hours. It is also pH balanced, which makes it gentler on the stomach than regular vitamin C-ascorbic acid. Similarly, not all vitamin E is the same. Ester-E is a patented form of vitamin E that is readily utilized by the body. Its unique properties help to protect its potency and its antioxidant strength.

What To Eat

Doctors say the old adage about needing to starve a cold doesn’t hold water. In fact, it’s a good idea to focus on eating healthful, balanced meals while you are sick. You may find that lighter foods are easier to eat when you are ill (think soups, eggs, plain salads, etc.). It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and juice. Fluids help loosen the mucus that usually lines the chests of people with colds. Fluids are also important if you have a fever, because fever can cause dehydration.

Treating Symptoms

It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about which cold medicine may work best for your particular cold. For instance, your doctor might recommend an analgesic to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever, or an antitussive to help with coughing. If you can’t get to a drug- store, simple home remedies-such as gargling with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat-often help with symptoms.

Possibly Related Posts:


Natural Acne Remedies

0

Posted by admin | Posted in Health, Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Supplements | Posted on 29-07-2009

Some adults and teens who suffer from acne may refer to try cures that are natural instead of pharmaceutical. Here are some natural acne remedies.

One of the first things that a natural practitioner will tell you is that it’s what’s inside that counts. Although most dermatologists will tell you that what you eat has no effect on your skin, a healthy diet can have positive effects on your skin, as well as your life in general. Follow sensible guidelines. Drink six glasses of water a day. Try to find organic produce. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Broil you food. Avoid fried foods. Eat fiber rich foods such as lentils and beans. Limit your alcohol intake. Go light on the caffeine, only two cups of tea or coffee a day. Stay away from sodas, too much sugar and caffeine. Along with a glowing and radiant complexion you might shed a few pounds along the way!

To go along with a healthier diet supplements are suggested. Here are some supplement suggestions. A good daily multi vitamin. Vitamin C. An antioxidant blend of A, C, E, zinc, selenium. A fatty acid supplement such as primrose oil or fish oil. It is suggested that you talk with a qualified nutritionist to help with deciding what supplements you should take.

Now you’ve taken care of the inside, there is work to do on the outside. Have a facial monthly. This will help keep your skin healthy and glowing. Your aesthetician will help you to identify your skin type and make recommendations about cleansers and moisturizers. This facial should include an exfoliation. If you suffer from acne as an adult you will still need to keep your skin moisturized. Make sure that you use an SPF on your skin everyday.

There is no such thing as an overnight cure for acne. Keep in mind that any treatment takes time. A healthy diet, added nutritional supplements and a well thought out cleaning regimen will help. Give any program you start on at least 6 to 8 weeks to show results.

Possibly Related Posts: