He's not alone. Samuel Wong, a Harvard-trained physician based in New York City, plays musical instruments to help patients with brain damage and Alzheimer's disease reconnect to the world. Recent research shows soothing music has an amazing range of healing effects. But keep it low. Very loud music, he says, creates an altered state of consciousness akin to an alcoholic or drug-induced stupor that can become addictive.
Boost endorphins, the body's natural opiates or feel-good drugs.
Reduce pain after surgery. Ease labor without drugs. Lower blood pressure as much as 5 points. It also trims complications after heart attack, calms anxiety, slows breathing and increases production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Even before we're born, music makes a difference.