Music Medicine: Sound At A Cellular Level | Dr. Lee Bartel | TEDxCollingwood

TEDx Talks13 minutes read

A study conducted on the impact of sound vibrations on brainwaves found that a pitch at 40 Hertz can reduce pain and Alzheimer's symptoms, highlighting the potential of music therapy in treating various conditions. The research suggests that rhythmic structures in music, such as those found in cricket chirping and low-frequency pitches, can positively impact cells in the body by influencing brainwave activity.

Insights

  • The principle of entrainment in physics, discovered through observing the synchronization between a cricket's chirping and machine belts, can be utilized to create music with specific rhythmic structures that impact brainwaves.
  • Utilizing a single pitch at 40 Hertz has shown promising results in reducing pain and symptoms of Alzheimer's, with studies demonstrating improvements in brain connectivity and neuron firing rates at this frequency, suggesting its potential as a form of music medicine.

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Recent questions

  • How did the discovery of entrainment in physics lead to the creation of music impacting brainwaves?

    The discovery of entrainment in physics, which is the synchronization of rhythmic vibrations, led to the creation of music with specific rhythmic structures that could impact brainwaves. By observing the correlation between the chirping of a cricket and the squeaking of belts on machines, it was found that rhythmic vibrating objects could synchronize. This principle was applied to music, where specific rhythmic structures could entrain brainwaves, affecting cells in the body.

  • What is the significance of a single pitch at 40 Hertz in reducing pain and Alzheimer's symptoms?

    A single pitch at 40 Hertz has been found to have significant implications in reducing pain and Alzheimer's symptoms. This specific frequency was discovered to help in restoring brain connectivity and reducing symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. By impacting neurons firing at 40 Hertz, the sound stimulation can restore decaying circuits in the brain, leading to improvements in cognitive functions and reducing the progression of the disease.

  • How does sound impact cells in the body and influence brainwaves?

    Sound impacts cells in the body by translating vibrations into electric signals through hair cells in the cochlea. These electric signals then affect brainwaves, which are measured in Hertz. The rhythmic structures of sound can entrain brainwaves, influencing the firing of neurons and forming circuits in the brain. This steady brainwave activity is crucial for maintaining optimal brain function and connectivity.

  • Why is 40 Hertz considered optimal for forming connections in the brain?

    The frequency of 40 Hertz is considered optimal for forming connections in the brain because neurons firing together wire together, creating circuits that require steady brainwave activity. By stimulating neurons at 40 Hertz, the brain can establish and strengthen connections, leading to improved cognitive functions and overall brain health. This frequency has shown positive results in restoring brain connectivity and reducing symptoms of various neurological conditions.

  • What were the results of the fibromyalgia case study involving 40 Hertz sound stimulation?

    The fibromyalgia case study involving 40 Hertz sound stimulation demonstrated positive results in restoring brain connectivity and reducing symptoms significantly. By using sound at this specific frequency, the study showed improvements in brain function and connectivity, leading to a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms. This highlights the potential of sound therapy at 40 Hertz in managing chronic pain conditions and improving overall quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia.

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Summary

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"Music Medicine: 40 Hertz for Healing"

  • Grew up on a honey farm in Western Canada, extracting honey from honeycomb in the honey house every summer and fall.
  • Noticed synchronization between the random chirping of a cricket and the squeaking of belts on machines due to rhythmic vibrating objects.
  • Discovered the principle of entrainment in physics, using it to create music with specific rhythmic structures to impact brainwaves.
  • Found that a single pitch at 40 Hertz could help reduce pain and Alzheimer's symptoms.
  • Cricket, music, and low-frequency pitch are considered potential music medicine due to their rhythmic structures impacting cells in the body.
  • Sound impacts cells by translating vibrations into electric signals through hair cells in the cochlea, affecting brainwaves measured in Hertz.
  • Neurons firing together wire together, forming circuits in the brain that require steady brainwaves, with 40 Hertz being optimal for connections.
  • Alzheimer's case study showed improvement with 40 Hertz sound stimulation, increasing neurons firing at 40 Hertz to restore decaying circuits.
  • Fibromyalgia case study demonstrated positive results with 40 Hertz sound stimulation, restoring brain connectivity and reducing symptoms significantly.
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