Relaxation Music - "Lyrical Imagery" research and rationale - part 1

To summarize last weeks blog post... because PREFERRED MUSIC has been clinically proven to induce a relaxation response... and because our sub-conscious perceives music (even when we're asleep or not conscious) thus affecting our physiology and emotions positively... we should not hesitate to use music for ourselves or loved ones, at least for relaxation and sleep, but more specifically for a positive association sleep ritual for children (and adults), surgery and dental procedures and for when a loved one might be more critically ill and non-responsive. Now lets talk about relaxation music and imagery...

My next few blog posts on musicfromthestart.com will be information to support my new music album “Lyrical Imagery” which is now available for a limited time as a free download.

Download "Lyrical Imagery" for FREE! - Click Here  Lyrical Imagery is a collection of relaxation and stress management pieces. I particularly like this modality to establish sleep rituals for children (and adults). I will address this specifically in future blog posts.

"In the 90’s I was the staff music therapist at St. Vincent Medical Center where I became friends with a doctor, Alp Yurdakul, who loved music and the arts. Together we collaborated on a music project consisting of three products, Lyrical Imagery, Earth Elements and Pick Me Ups. Dr Yurdakul did the art work and provided narration on the project. I composed, performed and recorded the music."  

Typically relaxation music consists of instrumental music or music with nature sounds. And typical relaxation exercises such as imagery or progressive muscle relaxation consist of, again, instrumental music with (or without) nature sounds with spoken imagery or directives. With Lyrical Imagery I use sung imagery (lyrics) that utilize right and left hemispheres of the brain. The imagery here is about the ocean." See (printable) research and rationale about Lyrical Imagery in the Resource Center - MT Lyrical Imagery 1, 2 & 3. 

Below is associated research and rationale for this project which can be accessed in full under the name "Lyrical Imagery 1, 2 & 3" in the Resource Center... (see bottom left of home pg)

David B. Putano, HPMT,MT-BC

MusicFromTheStart.com

LYRICAL IMAGERY: Components and Rationale

Lyrical Imagery is: The use of song lyrics in place of spoken

directives, in conjunction with music, to induce positive

imagery and support relaxation.

What is imagery? Imagery is the thought process that makes use

of the senses: sight, smell, taste, and the senses of touch,

movement, and position (Achterberg, 1985). An example is when we

imagine ourselves at the beach, with our eyes closed seeing the

blue water and sensing the salt air. Imagery does however effect

us in profound ways. Achterberg points out that when an

individual goes through the mental rehearsal of a marathon race

or sales presentation many physiological changes occur: blood

pressure goes up, sweat glands become more active, and brain

waves change (p. 3).

How does music therapy benefit us? In general, lyrical imagery

as music therapy serves as:

A stimulus for deep body relaxation

A stimulus for positive imagery and mood

A stimulus for clear thinking, incompatible with worrying

A pleasant, potentially reinforcing event (Hanser, 1992).

Rider (1985) states that many studies, including Bonny & Savary

(1973) and Peach (1984), indicate that "music has been found to

be effective in stimulating imagery" (p. 185).

How does imagery benefit us? Studies by Achterberg & Lawless,

1978, 1980, 1984 show that mental imagery has been "found to

alter immune responses and pain levels (Rider, 1885). And

recently Adria Heath, RN, MSN studied the effects of imagery on

ICU pat1ents to control pain and anxiety and found that

"relaxation and imagery produce such physiologic responses as

decreased heart rate and arterial blood pressure, and such

psychological responses as a sense of well being and piece of

mind" (1992). Heath goes on to say that "the mind sees images as

a language with direct access to the autonomic nervous system

(ANS)" (po 58). Many other studies including Guzzetta & Dossey,

1985; Bressler, 1980; Bensen, 1975, not only identify the

aforementioned responses from imagery but also add that through

accessing the ANS alpha waves, tissue regeneration and repair,

and immune and inflammatory responses are all stimulated (p.58). 

To be continued...

More information about relaxation music and from Lyrical Imagery 1, 2 & 3 in upcoming blog posts...

My prescription this week??? Again, grab the free download of "Lyrical Imagery" and use it to relax with. But listen to it with NO DISTRACTIONS!!! Enjoy...
 
AND!!!! Please share with others, like us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter ... Thanks, David P.