Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Can You Actually Improve Health by Singing?

By Georgia Reader

If you are in the mood to sing, just get it together and sing! The very act of using your voice has many health benefits that help with pain reduction, makes you feel better and helps you live longer. When we sing rather than speak, we generally have an intonation, a melody line, and crescendo which provide us with a broader vocabulary for expressing ourselves.

A lot of study and research work show that these studies link singing with decreased blood pressure, reduced stress, and slower heartbeat. When we sing, we generally express deep feelings, which helps us amazingly in reducing the stress level. It helps us unwind, relax, and put our minds off the matter that is acting as a downer on our spirits so that overall, singing helps us feel much better.

Some people in the medical professions consider singing as a way to encourage fitness which helps strengthen the abdomen, circulation, and breath support. When one sings, emotions tend to be released, which helps with those with physical or psychological problems. Some people who have experienced a stroke may have some change for the better as they improve in breathing and as well as the way they communicate with others.

Singing therapy had been endorsed by Chreanne Montgomery-Smith from the Alzheimer's Society. A singing group was formed for patients suffering from difficulties with memories or those diagnosed with various forms of dementia that facilitates feelings of happiness and security. Experts have long said that when a person sings some emotions get let go, lots of negative feelings get released.

The part of the brain that processes speech is different from the part of the brain that processes music. That is why people who are unable to converse anymore still are able to enjoy music. Many of these scientific studies have shown that singing also enhances immunity and well-being, which are two great benefits.

Singing can help seniors deal with issues with aging such as a boost in self-esteem and purpose when they sing with groups or solo. It is a great way to add the quality of a senior's life, as the recent movie Young at Heart can concur. From singing, one can benefit from improved lung capacity, asthma relief, better posture, high energy.

Learning how to sing includes exercises that help in strengthening the muscles of your breathing apparatus and increases the lung capacity. Endorphins are let go into your circulation, which helps in the breathing. People who suffer from breath support problems can sing in a chorus or take singing lessons to help with lung health and prevent depression.

Singing can be called a therapy, and is being used in some arenas of the health professions. Research has shown that it eases breath support troubles, helps deal with dementia, low self-esteem, people dealing with feelings of chronic despair, and boost the immune system. Singing can encourage a good, vigorous and happy life if done regularly. - 15615

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