Sound Medicine: How to Use the Ancient Science of Sound to Heal the Body and Mind [9780062867339]

Overview

From a leading neurologist, neuroscientist and practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, comes a rigorous scientific investigation into the field of mind-body medicine and the healing power of sound, showing readers how they can use it to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Why does a baby’s cry instantaneously flood a mother’s body with a myriad of stress hormones? How can a song on the radio stir up powerful emotions, from joy to anger, regret to desire? Why does sound itself evoke such primal and deeply felt emotions?

A vibration that travels through air, water and solids, sound is produced by all matter, and is a fundamental part of every species’ survival. But there is a hidden power within sound that has only just begun to be investigated. Sound Medicine takes readers on a journey through the structure of the mouth, ears, and brain to understand how sound is translated from acoustic vibrations into meaningful neurological impulses. In this fascinating exploration of vibrational medicine, renowned neurologist and Ayurvedic expert Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary explains how different types of sound impact the human body and brain uniquely, and explores the physiological effects of sound vibration, from altering mood to healing disease.

Blending ancient wisdom with modern science, Dr. Chaudhary traces the history of sound therapy and the use of specific mantras from previously unknown texts—traced back to the Siddhas, a group of enlightened yogis who created a healing tradition that served as the precursor to Ayurvedic medicine—to explain the therapeutic application of sounds for a wide range of conditions. Sound Medicine offers practical, step-by-step lessons for using music and mantras in a daily mantra meditation practice, whether you’re a beginner or searching for a more advanced practice, to improve your health in body, mind, and spirit.

This evidence-based guide reveals the science behind sound, offering practical tools to harness its power:

• The Neuroscience of Sound: Discover how a leading neurologist translates acoustic vibrations into neurological impulses, explaining why a simple song can alter your emotional state.
• Ancient Wisdom: Journey back to the origins of sound healing with wisdom from previously unknown Siddha texts, the precursors to Ayurvedic medicine.
• Chakras and Energy Healing: Explore the science behind the body’s energy centers—the chakras—and learn how sound vibrations can bring your entire system back into harmony.
• A Practical Healing Plan: Put theory into practice with step-by-step lessons for using specific mantras and music to reduce stress, improve health, and heal disease.