Is Your Musical Instrument Good For Your Health
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
March 22, 2009 11:04am CST
I love my guitar. It relaxes me and keeps my fingers toned as well as dexterity up to beat, not to mention coordination.
Additionally, if I am feeling somewhat agitated, I can bang away at the cords to release any pent up tension.
With that being said, I have recently learned that
Playing the Keyboards are similar in the relaxation benefits.
Apparently playing the keyboards are three times more effective than reading or watching t.v. for relation. Playing around with a keyboard is a proven stress prescription.
Flutes can Help Fight Asthma
by improving breathing control and inhaler techniques.
Harmonicas help Improve Lung Function
plus gives the abdominals a great work out and is a lot of fun!
Played by exhaling as well as inhaling, it works similar to the Spirometers used in pulmonary rehab.
Playing the Harp is Good For The Heart
The harp's calming vibrations can powerfully regulate an abnormal heart beat.
Even just playing a CD of harp music can promote less anxiety, fewer complications related to irregular heartbeat and therefore fewer medications.
Playing the Drums can Boost your Immunity
Even just keeping a beat on a table, a bowl or a pot can increase the natural killer T-Cells and reduce depression.
Good natural body rhythms promote better health. Drumming helps keep those rhythms synchronized.
What Health Benefits do you find that you get from your instrument if any?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
3 May 09
Nice, I love the Piano and wished I had learned to play.
I bet it is so relaxing for you!
Thank you for your response.
@blion23 (403)
• United States
22 Mar 09
That is some pretty good information that I never knew about. Wow, i never knew that instruments had such a prominent impact on our health. I play the piano and the drums when I am down to relax and release my emotions. I think musical instruments are a excellent thing and the effect that it has on our health (which I have just learned) is unprecedented.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
23 Mar 09
Absolutely unprecedented but if we think about it, I can see the positive effects transpiring.
You are a musician so you can relate easily.
I think anyone who can appreciate music, in any form, can relate to this post as incredible as it may seem.
Music makes us music lovers feel good and for good reason.
Music is magical and the effects it has on our health is a blessing.
I recall reading somewhere about the different tones and octaves and how this too can change molecular structure. Sounds bizarre but has been proven.
Hospitals and different therapies often use music in healing.
Keep playing and enjoy for all that it is worth.
Thank you for your response and Good Health to you.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
22 Mar 09
wow that's cool! I didn't know this!
I have trouble breathing sometimes, due to my allergy maybe
so flutes and harmonicas seem to be best according to this
I have a musical instrument that is a portable piano that I have to blow (like flutes) to play
I'm gonna start playing it again
it was hard when I started but thanks for sharing this I will try it again!
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
23 Mar 09
Definitely do start playing it again as this may help you in the long run!
I love the idea of a portable piano that you have to blow to play. Interesting.
Look forward to your breathing improving while gaining the relaxation effect from your piano.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Mar 09
I never knew anything about the effects of playing an instrument on health before. Thank you for posting this. I don't play any instrument but I guess if I did it would have to be the harp for health! This is just an incredible post. My GD plays the keyboard, recorder and drums - she is 8 years old and is doing so well. At present, she is just getting exposure to all musical instruments before deciding if there is a special one that she prefers. Blessings
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
23 Mar 09
It is so encouraging to have children interested in music at a young age. Good for her.
I know of some kids that are experimenting as well. I think that they are stuck on the electric guitar and the other the drums. It is so cute and they are good. They sing too.
I love the harp. It is such a magical instrument.
You are most welcome for the post and hope that you find time to absorb the rythms and sounds that your GD produces.
I believe that just being around the notes can help us benefit in a positive way.
I have recently picked up my harmonica. I don't know how to playit but I goof around on it just for fun.
What happened was a t.v. show had a person playing one one night and my dog perked right up so I dug it out.
She seems to like this too. She also like choir music. When it was on T.V. around the Christmas season, she sat right up and watched it.
If you know my little dog you would understand what a moment that was.
She is such an Angel to begin with!
Thank you for your response and I am pleased to read about your GD.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
23 Mar 09
I agree that the hand eye coordination is good when playing guitar.
Sooner or later you wont have to use the eye and just go by feel and sound.
I know what you mean by fingers hurting for holding the strings down on the frets, yes.
Apparently you can lower the strings so to not have to push so hard. This helps and is exactly what I have to do with my latest guitar.
I do not practice as much as I should.
Perhaps I may start regularly again because it is so relaxing.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
23 Mar 09
You are very welcome!
I am glad you enjoy the idea.
I personally feel that there is more to some instruments (most) than just appealing to better health.
Especially the harp. What a beautiful instrument.
The notes one can achieve are simply incredible.
So you play an instrument?
@hmkoct5 (2065)
• United States
23 Apr 09
My instrument is my voice. I love to sing. When I feel stressed and overwhelmed, I always turn to singing. It really calms me down. I have read that singing and listening to music can lower blood pressure. I know it is good for me. I feel so much better after I sing. lol - I don't know how the other people in my house feel though!
