With winter storms and cold temperatures, we are heading into cold and flu season.
Immune systems really take a hit this time of year with being indoors more and a higher level of exposure to these little bugs.
Here are some quick, easy ways for you to use sound and music to keep your immune system strong.
1. Play music that makes you happy!
At the molecular level, viruses use the same receptors as neuropeptides to enter a cell. The name for the cold virus is rheovirus. It attaches to the same receptor as the neuropeptide, norepinephrine, which is believed to be released when you are happy. If all these receptors are attached to norepinephrine, the cold virus can’t get into the cell. WOOHOO!
2. Hum your favorite tune.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine stated that humming increased the blood flow in the sinuses and increased the air exchanged between the sinuses and the nasal passages.
The sinuses are a major producer of nitric oxide.
In 1998, three research scientists won the Nobel prize in medicine when they discovered the natural nitric oxide cycle in our cells. This cycle is one of the healthiest things your body does. Normal nitric oxide production is inhibited by stress and illness among other things.
And what does Nitric Oxide do for you?
- It increases your energy and stamina.
- It helps to relieve your stress.
- It seriously strengthens your immune system.
- Your circulation is improved as is your digestion.
- And it improves clarity of mind.
Nitric oxide dilates capillaries and increases blood flow. The study found that when their subjects hummed, nitric oxide levels in the sinuses were 15 times higher than when they were breathing normally.
In addition, the air exchange between the sinuses and nasal passages was 98 percent! Compared to a measly 4 percent during normal breathing.
3. Sing your favorite tune.
The hormone serotonin and is released while humming and singing.
“Serotonin plays an important part in the regulation of learning, mood, sleep and vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels). Experts say serotonin also might have a role in anxiety, migraine, vomiting and appetite. Alterations in serotonin levels in the brain may affect mood.” From http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php
4. Use the Perfect 5th tuning forks
Research conducted by Dr. John Beaulieu, music therapist and naturopathic doctor and Dr. George Stefano, neurologist showed that these frequencies stimulated the production of nitric oxide in the body’s cells within 30 seconds. Normal nitric oxide production is inhibited by stress and illness among other things.
In a recent interview, Dr. John Beaulieu stated that the use of these forks trains the nervous system to return to balance.
Here is a link to the perfect 5th tuning forks on our website where you can find out more and about how to purchase them: http://www.soundwellness.com/swstore/categories.php?cat=26
5. Play in a musical group, participate in drumming circles
The hormone, oxytocin, is released in your body when you play or sing music with others. Oxytocin in your system increases trust, promotes bonding and contentment, reduces anxiety and fear and much more. All which support a strong immune system.
6. Listen to “Reset.”
“Reset” is a 12 minute track I created in 2009, during a particularly intense flu scare, to specifically strengthen the immune system in the listener.
My intention in creating this sound is to allow people to ‘reset’ their body, mind, emotions and spirit to a higher vibration (and stronger immune system). If this appeals to you, try listening a few times. See if it makes a difference in how you feel.
Here is a link to “Reset”:
http://www.soundwellness.com/reset