[Alpha Waves] The Power of Music from a Scientific Perspective
Ayami Kiyoko
Have you ever heard of the term alpha waves? It is a type of brain wave emitted from the brain, and is said to be the wave emitted when a healing effect is achieved.
There is certain music that is said to produce alpha waves just by listening to it, and various effects are touted.
In this article, we will explain the effects of alpha waves from a scientific perspective.
What are alpha waves?
For those who are familiar with the term alpha waves but don't really know what they are, we will first explain in detail what alpha waves are.
As mentioned at the beginning, alpha waves are a type of brain wave emitted by the human brain. According to German scientist Hans Berger, the brain waves emitted by humans can be classified into five types depending on their state at the time, and these can be classified by frequency.
Alpha waves are brain waves with a frequency range of 8Hz to 13Hz, and are produced when you are in a calm state.
What are the effects of alpha waves?
There is a lot known about the effects of alpha waves.
First of all, as mentioned earlier, when you are in a calm state, your brain emits alpha waves.
Therefore, when alpha waves are emitted, the body and mind can relax and it also has the effect of reducing stress.
Also, although it may seem like the opposite status to normal thinking, alpha waves are also detected when concentration is sharp.
Therefore, one of the effects of alpha waves is to activate the brain.
Furthermore, it has recently been said that alpha waves may also have the effect of boosting immunity and preventing illness.
It has been discovered that alpha waves not only improve concentration but also help balance the autonomic nervous system, and research is underway to demonstrate their effectiveness in boosting immunity.
How can I produce alpha waves?
Alpha waves are known to have a variety of beneficial effects, including stress relief, improved concentration, and even improved immunity, but how exactly can you produce them?
As mentioned above, when you are in a relaxed state, the type of brain waves that naturally emerge are alpha waves.
Therefore, if you can calm yourself down, you can produce alpha waves.
Listening to music is one way to relax your body and mind.
Listening to soothing music can relax the mind and body, and this effect is incorporated into music therapy.
Music that produces alpha waves: Classical music
So, what kind of music has a strong healing effect, in other words, music that is likely to produce alpha waves?
First of all, classical music is generally said to be a good source of alpha waves.
Many of the famous classical pieces that have been passed down to the present day have familiar melodies and are enjoyed by people of all ages, which means they have a strong healing effect.
Among classical music, all of Mozart's pieces are known to be music that is likely to produce alpha waves, and other famous pieces that are also said to be likely to produce alpha waves include Pachelbel's Canon and Bach's Air on the G String.
Slow Bach: 15 Piano Therapies to Listen with Your Heart
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Classical Healing - Moonlight Piano Collection / Yuko Toyoda
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Brain Development Classics for Ages 0 and Up [2-CD Set] / VA
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Alpha wave music No. 2: Healing music with nature sounds
Classical Relaxation ~ Healing Piano / VA
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Healing Morning / Czechoslovak National Kosice Philharmonic Orchestra
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In addition to classical music, there is also healing music that incorporates sounds from nature that is said to be effective in producing alpha waves.
Sounds in nature contain fluctuations that are inversely proportional to frequency, known as 1/f fluctuations, and although the scientific basis for this is not entirely clear, it is said to provide a sense of comfort to the human body.
For example, healing music that incorporates sounds from nature, such as waves lapping on the shore, the murmuring of a river, birdsong, and leaves rustling in the wind, has a great relaxing effect when listened to and is likely to produce alpha waves.
Additionally, the singing voices of singers whose voices are close to the sounds of nature are also said to have a similarly soothing effect. Famous singers with voices that are close to the sounds of nature include Misora Hibari, Tokunaga Hideaki, and Utada Hikaru.
Listen to your favorite music to generate alpha waves.
Above, we have introduced the scientific effects of alpha waves and the music that makes it easier to produce them.
Alpha waves are said to not only relieve stress and improve concentration, but also have the effect of preventing illness.
In order to consciously release these emotions, you need to relax both your mind and body, and listening to music is an effective way to do this.
Above, we introduced classical music and music containing the sounds of nature as music that is likely to produce alpha waves, but ultimately, it seems that music that you feel good listening to has a greater relaxing effect and is more likely to produce alpha waves as a result.
Be aware that listening to your favorite music is good for your health, and try to live a life where music is always around you.