Music Healing: How the Octave’s Symmetry Calms Mind and Body
I notice that playing all the notes of an octave up and down calms me down or sort of re-arranges my emotions. Why is that?
The calming effect you experience when playing or listening to all the notes of an octave may be influenced by several psychological and physiological factors related to how music interacts with the brain and body. Here are some of the key reasons why this might be happening:
Structural Predictability and Resolution: Playing an octave scale (ascending and then descending) provides a predictable and symmetrical structure that can be inherently satisfying and calming to the brain. This predictability leads to a sense of resolution and completeness, which can help in reducing anxiety and inducing calm.
Neurological Response: Music activates various brain regions involved in emotion, memory, and reward. Predictable patterns, like scales, can trigger positive emotional responses, potentially releasing dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward). This can lead to feelings of contentment and emotional re-balancing.
Attentional Control: Engaging with music, especially playing it, requires a level of focus that can help divert attention away from stressful thoughts and redirect it towards a more absorbing activity. This shift in focus is a key element in mindfulness practices and can have a therapeutic effect by promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
Physiological Effects: Music influences the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, breathing, and digestion. The soothing effect of a simple, repetitive musical pattern, like playing scales, can slow the heartbeat and breathing, leading to physical relaxation and reduced stress.
Cognitive and Emotional Processing: Music can facilitate cognitive and emotional processing, allowing listeners or performers to explore and express their feelings in a structured, non-verbal way. This can lead to cathartic experiences where emotions are not just felt but also processed and managed more effectively.
Musical Intervals and Harmony: The specific intervals between notes in an octave may also play a role. Consonant intervals (like those found in a diatonic scale) are generally perceived as more pleasant and stable, which can contribute to a sense of well-being.
In your case, the act of playing through an octave, which covers a complete set of notes in a key, creates a holistic auditory experience that can be both grounding and emotionally enriching. This combination of structure, predictability, and sensory engagement makes music an effective tool for emotional and psychological healing.
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