If you’re like most people, you got zero information in school on how you are physically and emotionally affected by the sound and music in your life. Although you may have your favorite styles of music, and favorite artists, it is unlikely that you ever received a concise summary—Sound Health 101, I like to call it—which means you are at the mercy of “sound effects” you’re not even aware of. Being unaware means you cannot take constructive steps to remedy, or at least significantly lessen, the stressful and energy-zapping factors.

     But take heart. Help is on the way.

1. Things They Never Taught You in School About Rhythm Entrainment and the Beat of Your Heart

Rhythm Entrainment describes the physical phenomenon in which an external drummer, rhythmic pulse or beat will override the natural rhythm and speed of your heart. Prove it to yourself: take Doctor Sound’s “Rhythm Method” test.

     Your heartbeat automatically shifts from its natural resting rhythm of 44 to 60 beats per minutes (bpm) to match the tempo of any music. Listen to fast music, typically 90 to 130 bpm, and your heartbeat will also be 90 to 130 bpm. Note that this can be more than double the normal, relaxed heart rate.

     Trying to relax with a speeded-up heartbeat is a bio-acoustic impossibility for 99.5% of us.

2. Decrease Sound Pollution

Knowing this one fact of rhythm entrainment, take note of the sources of sound in your immediate environment. Take a “sound inventory.” Is there a clock on the wall or on your desk? Does it produce an audible “tick” every second? Can you feel this “tick” in the middle of your chest? If so, you may want to consider replacing it with a silent model to decrease an unnecessary source of sound pollution and stress in your life.

     You will also want to check out the sounds of your refrigerator, dishwasher and vacuum cleaner and how you feel when they are operating.

3. Increase Your Peace

In addition to decreasing unwanted noisemakers, another great strategy to enhance your sound environment is to bring in healthier sounds. Many people experiment with table-top fountains and wind chimes. The concept is good; however not all fountains or wind chimes are created equal. Some can be more irritating than relaxing.

     Consider playing some gentle, relaxing music in the background. Once again, not all relaxing music is created equal. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening, and you’ll know whether that music is right for you.

     Composing relaxing and healthful music has been the focus of my life for the last thirty years. Listen to Ocean Suite, Comfort Zone, or Music for Sound Healing and you’ll notice the immediate “relaxation response.”

4. Listen Deeply to Healing Music

To get even more benefit from music like this, listen with headphones. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you’ll tune in to The Zone of well-being and inner peace.

5. Make Your Own Music

Other wonderful ways of enhancing your life with sound involves making some of the sounds yourself. This can involve your voice, or your hands.

     If you are one of the millions who were told early in life not to sing, or to sing “solo” (so low that no one can hear you), here’s a fool-proof way of getting back in touch with the healing power of your own voice.

     The process is called “toning.” It involves making extended sounds using the five familiar vowels a, e, i, o, u.

     Have you had a good “vowel movement” lately? You can make each vowel sound on only one note, or you can start low and slide up to a high note, as high as you can go without straining. Do this five times in a row, and you will experience what is known as the “singers high.”

6. Clear as a Bell

For thousands of years, people have used the sound of a bell or a metal bowl to clear the mind. In my opinion, everyone should have at least one bowl in their possession. In as little as thirty seconds, you can cleanse your sound environment by listening to the “furthest away sound,” as my mentor Alan Watts described it. Once again, not all bowls are created equal. Find one you like, and it will become a trusted ally.

7. The Rhythm Method

Play rhythms with your hands on a drum or any handy surface, including your thighs. The visceral and acoustic feedback you receive from playing a frame drum or other hand drum will enhance the benefits and pleasure. Recent research has proven that making our own rhythms, or playing with others in a drum circle can promote wellness in a very hands-on way.

     Implement even one of these suggestions, and I bet you’ll notice the benefits right away. If you have questions or comments, email me at AskDrSound@innerpeacemusic.com

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Steven Halpern is currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of his first recording, Chakra Suite, and the release of his latest album, Tonal Alchemy. To hear samples or to order, go to www.stevenhalpern.com.

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