Acoustic Neurotherapy

A substantial body of scientific research accounts for the way internal neurophysiological processes are influenced by external sources of rhythmic sound. Through a mechanism called 'Entrainment', neural oscillations in the brain adjust frequency and amplitude in response to specific acoustic patterns, contributing to states of rest, relaxation, and contemplation. Furthermore, when these patterns are embedded in music perceived as pleasant, hormonal changes in the endocrine system precipitate positive alterations in physiological events including heart rate, breathing, digestion, and muscle tonality. Consequently, music is a potentially widely applicable therapeutic tool, and is particularly effective in reducing the intensity of distress by lowering levels of arousal and substituting negative for positive emotional valence. However, discovering the kinds of musical patterns that are most suitable for this endeavor, and understanding the differences in perception between subjects, is a complex and challenging task. The Acoustic Neurotherapy Project seeks to undertake this task, and develop a dependable form of receptive music therapy that synthesizes artistic composition with the principles of acoustic neuroscience.