Classical Music Has Therapeutic Potential: Study

A new study asserts that the soothing effect of classical music and opera can help reduce blood pressure. According to the British researchers, such genres of music synchronize well with the natural rhythms of the human body.

The research participants were asked to listen to different genres of music. Scientists monitored the response of each individual by measuring their heart rate and blood pressure.

According to the Tech Times, the researchers found that the recurrent 10-second rhythm from an opera by Giuseppe Verdi was completely in sync with the change in the blood pressure of the participant. It also led to an overall decrease in the heart rate.

While an Antonio Vivaldi piece had no effect on the heart rate of the participants, a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers increased it. The researchers noticed that the responses of the participants were similar to each type of song. This further confirmed that the responses were independent of whether the particular song has an upbeat or a calming tone.

"Music is unique to man, and its use to influence mood goes back to prehistory," said Peter Sleight, the lead researcher from the University of Oxford. "Music is now widely used commercially (but uncritically) from medical applications to raising cattle. Rather little has been published in regular medical journals."

The study results are to be presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester.