It’s easy to feel like the world is fractured. Everyone has their own beliefs, and it can feel like none of us agree about anything. It’s disheartening to be so disconnected from one another. But a study found that one thing is universal — around the world, people experience music the same way.
Music activates the autonomic nervous system. We physically feel music in our bodies. And the areas we feel the music in are the same across cultures.
“Music that evoked different emotions, such as happiness, sadness or fear, caused different bodily sensations in our study. For example, happy and danceable music was felt in the arms and legs, while tender and sad music was felt in the chest area,” said Academy Research Fellow Vesa Putkinen of the Turku PET Center in Finland.
“Since these sensations are similar across different cultures, music-induced emotions are likely independent of culture and learning and based on [shared human biology],” said Prof. Lauri Nummenmaa.
“Music may have emerged… to promote social interaction and sense of community by synchronizing the bodies and emotions of the listeners,” said Mr. Putkinen.
At a time when things can seem so polarized, it’s wonderful to know that music really is a universal experience. We’re all feeling it the same way, even if we have different favorite songs.
Music therapy can help with all sorts of medical concerns, including blood sugar levels. Music therapy can reduce stress levels, leading to more stable hormones and blood sugar levels. It can also aid blood pressure, circulation and resting pulse. It can aid digestion and the secretion of insulin.
Music with a different beat from the listener’s pulse can impact a person’s body and mind. A beat that matches a person’s pulse can be soothing. But a slower beat can promote tranquility, a lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure and more.
Music therapy can improve circulation, which in turn can aid foot health. And music therapy can improve motivation and help people reach their exercise goals. It also benefits mental health. As people with blood sugar concerns are two to three times more likely to struggle with depression than others, music therapy can ease their symptoms.
Speak to your doctor about the best way to use music to help your health. It could be as simple as listening to the music you like best to boost your mood and help you exercise more. Or they may have curated playlists they would like you to listen to. Music can be a fantastic tool to support health all around the world!
