We are slowly becoming more conscious of the foods and beverages we put into our body, realizing they have an effect on our health. Likewise, healthy and unhealthy sounds also have an effect on our health emotions, and we should learn to become consciously aware of which sounds are most beneficial to our well-being.

Just as we can decrease our health by regularly consuming unhealthy foods over extended periods, we can also undermine our health by consuming harmful sounds and noises over extended periods. A regular diet of certain kinds of music and sound can help our bodies and mind achieve a greater level of health.

Some people are highly taste-sensitive and can differentiate between subtle flavours. Likewise sound-sensitive people react very strongly to sounds, especially detrimental ones. Sounds are clearly felt in their body and can cause headaches and upset stomachs.

Our body’s cells are of a vibratory nature. They act as sound receptors. Even while the mind is asleep, the body’s cells are aware of harsh sounds and react to these unconsciously. The body converts these irritating sounds into feelings of stress and tension, although we may be unaware of the source.

One of the first sense organs to develop in a baby while in the womb is the ear. This indicates how important sound is to our psychological and physical health, from the first moment of our creation as a living being. While in the womb, babies are aware of sounds and can differentiate between harmonious sounds and detrimental noise. Detrimental noise can produce the following effects:

• raised blood pressure

• stress on the heart leading to abnormal heart rhythms

• circulatory problems

• ulcers, balance disturbances

• fatigue

• irritability, increased stress and anxiety

• disruption of the central nervous system

• delayed healing time

• delayed verbal development in children

• lowered immunity

• disturbed sleep

• poor digestion

• lack of concentration, hyperactivity

• tension, headaches, migraines, nausea, hearing loss.

Noise pollution surrounds us, even quiet noise we cannot hear. The rumble of the refrigerator places people in trance-like states, the humming of fluorescent lights, television, electric blenders, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ventilation fans and knife sharpeners in the home all produce a state of general body arousal (stress) and generate increased nervous tension. All of these constant noises at home and at work affect our normal sleep patterns and decrease our energy levels.

The ill effects of bad sounds are cumulative. Strong vibrations from excessive noise wears out the sensory cells of the ears, until they no longer respond. It is important to become aware of harmful noises and realize they are dangerous, and may pose a hazard to health and general well-being.

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