Soothing Music Is More Beneficial to Heart and Lungs
In daily life, music brings joy that goes without saying. Additionally, past studies have shown music helps relieve tension. But which kind of music best soothes emotions? Recently, a British scientific study revealed that slow-paced music can relax tense emotions. Even after the music ends, listeners’ heart rate and circulatory system continue to adjust further. Moreover, individuals with prior musical training gain more pronounced health benefits from music.
Researchers in this study noted that slow, quiet music slows down respiratory rate—breathing in and out more slowly. This is the first scientific proof that music can easily slow breathing. When breathing slows, blood pressure typically drops, and lung function improves.
In this study, researchers invited 12 musicians and 12 non-musicians to participate in physiological response experiments. They selected music of varying styles and rhythms, including slow Indian classical pieces, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (slow tempo), fast Vivaldi classical music, electronic synth music, and Anton Webern’s music—slow in pace but rich in variation.
Participants listened to each piece for two minutes in random order, then listened to the same piece for four minutes every two minutes. Results showed that fast, simple melodies increased breathing rate and raised blood pressure and heart rate. After music stopped, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate gradually declined—sometimes even dropping below baseline levels. In contrast, slow music slowed heart rate, with Indian classical music showing the most significant effect.
Researchers emphasized that no prior comparative study had examined how different music affects cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Their findings indicate that emotional relaxation from music depends not on personal preference, but on the music’s inherent speed.
They also noted that stress and tension negatively impact the cardiovascular system. Music not only reduces tension but also enhances treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, music aids patients with nervous system damage in improving motor function during rehabilitation.