18/07/2024
Enjoy a sund massage session today
Today we’re exploring the physiological features of relaxation associated with Sound. 🧠🫁 Physiology is the study of how the human body works.
Text excerpts from “Why is the sound massage perceived as beneficial?”
By Christina M. Koller PhD
When we speak of the physiological characteristics of relaxation, it is important to distinguish the various bodily systems, in which the relaxation response shows in different physiological characteristics (Ross, 2009, S.S. 148 ff):
🪷 Neuromuscular System
There is a decrease in the reflex activities, the number of active motor units and the EMG signals.
🪷 Cardio-vascular system
This results in a lowering of the heart rate, blood pressure and an expansion of the peripheral circulation (thermal sensation).
🪷 Respiratory System
There is a general damping, the inspiration phase increases, decreases the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production and respiration becomes flatter and more uniform.
🪷 Central nervous system
The visible increase in EEG alpha and theta waves.
🪷 Metabolism
The blood sugar level rises, and the cholesterol level, the salivary cortisol and norepinephrine (the hormone and neurotransmitter most responsible for vigilant concentration, Transl.) decline.
🪷Electrodermal properties
The skin resistance increases or decreases, and the skin conductance (sweat gland activity) decreases.
Recent studies also show that the activation state of meditative relaxation comes to the following areas of the brain (cf. Ross, 2009):
🪷Amygdala
Part of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions
🪷Hippocampus
Part of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory
🪷Anterior cingulate cortex
Associated with attention and alertness
🪷Hypothalamus and midbrain
Responsible for the autonomic control
🪷Psychological Features
The following psychological characteristics are typical of the experience of relaxation (cf. Ross, 2009):
• Mental freshness
• Inside-looking attention
• Increase awareness of different thresholds for external stimuli
• Increased associative thinking
• Affective indifference (sense of serenity)(see Derra, 2006; Vaitl / Petermann, 2000).
