Music is magic

Music does wonders for our physical and psychological well-being. It’s magic works on virtually everything. From King Saul’s biblical headaches, calmed by David’s harp, to cows’ milk production increased by Concerto for Flute and Harp in D Major by Mozart and Perfect Day by Lou Reed. 

We don’t know if Homo Sapiens’ flute assuaged his miseries but, since Antiquity, physicians were aware of the therapeutic powers of music. They used flutes, lyres and zithers to ease their patients’ sufferings, including digestive, mental and sleep disorders.

Scientists confirm that the dear boys were right. Not only is our favourite music an effective pain reliever, but it also speeds up wound healing and recovery. 

Relaxing melodies alleviate stress by boosting the body’s oxytocin levels – also called love hormone or cuddle hormone – and by lowering the body’s cortisol levels – the hormone released in response to stress. 

And while they’re at it, these marvels also produce a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. McDonald’s restaurants in Glasgow, Liverpool, Gloucestershire and Australia are playing Bach, Mozart or Handel to successfully keep patrons from getting too disorderly. MRIs prove that Bach also has a soothing effect on crocodiles. Without stress, we are all much healthier. One study showed that, when people played various percussion instruments and sang, their immune system was boosted even more than if they passively listened.

Stimulating music is energizing, it enhances sports performances and improves mobility, including people with Parkinson’s disease.

Musical vibrations enhance the performance of our exquisite grey cells, boost our memory, including Alzheimer patients’, and enhance neurogenesis. They improve learning, increase our verbal intelligence and our IQ. In short, they make us smarter. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music: it is the only activity that engages all of our pretty cerebral circumvolutions. Some melodies can throw us in the arms of Morpheus. Classical music diminishes depression with maestria. Another good news is that listening to our favourite pieces increases the amount of dopamine produced by the brain. This hormone – another love and mood-enhancing one – triggers a feeling of euphoria similar to those induced by drugs or dark chocolate, without unwanted side effects. This is why music makes us deliriously happy and contented creatures.

“Happy Croc” Inès Peyret (Acrylic and mixed media on wood)