Abstract

PRETORIUS, Mark. A metaphysical and neuropsychological assessment of musical tones to affect the brain, relax the mind and heal the body. Verbum Eccles. (Online) [online]. 2017, vol.38, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2074-7705.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v38i1.1719.

It has been empirically established through many controlled studies that one of the most rewarding experiences known to humanity is listening to music, especially because it affects various parts of the brain and causes emotional arousal. The aim of this article is to do a succinct study on music and its effect on, especially, the nervous system, by referring to various empirical studies undertaken on the subject. The article, therefore, has a twofold purpose: (1) to show that throughout history, music has played a special role in various cultures and religions, especially as a healing tool and (2) to demonstrate that sound frequencies and vibrations found in music have the potential to realign the emotions of the nervous system and bring the body back into harmony by reducing stress. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: The article's challenge and purpose are to show that science and religion are not in conflict, but rather that together they can benefit both disciplines and make better sense of complicated topics, especially those related to how natural science and religion deal with the human body and health, and its relationship to the mind.

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