VANCOUVER -- If you have a writer's block or are in need of an emotional or spiritual lift, music can sometimes be the answer. While there's no question, we can get enjoyment from music, it may also improve our health, but by how much remains to be seen.
Mark Romero is a musician. Hesays people derive more than just enjoyment from his music. The Californian claims scientists have analyzed his songs and told him the music promotes strength, coordination and balance and puts the brain into a mediatative state.
MARK ROMERA SAYS: "TYPICALLY IN THE COURSE OF OUR DAY, WE'RE ALL RUNNING WE'RE DRINKING COFFEE, DOING TEN THINGS AT ONCE, OUR BRAIN ACTIVITY IS HIGH ... INSTANTLY TRANSFORM PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STATE OF SOMEBODY."
But neuroscientists here say that's debatable.
KALINA CHRISTOFF, ASST PROF OF PSYCHOLOGY, UBC, COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENTIST, SAYS: "IT'S DEFINITELY CAN PUT YOU IN RELAXATION MODE, ONE THING HAVE TO REMEMBER IS DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT EXPERIECNE, WHAT'S RELAXING SOME, COULD BE IRRITATING TO ANOTHER."
Dr. Christoff says music stimulates both the thinking areas of the brain as well as our emotional centres.
17-year old Mark is undergoing music therapy after a rare brain inflammation affected him a year ago.
Apart from learning to how to play the guitar, Mark is also learning how to regain vocal skills.
And making progress can be music to your ears...
Music therapy is also used in palliative care, mental health and to help control pain. For more information you can go to the website, www.musictherapy.ca. If you'd like to hear more about Mark Romera's music, you can find him at the Wellness Show, tomorrow thru Sunday downtown at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Friday February 3, 2006
