MUSIC, THE NATURAL DRUG

Most of us know that listening to music gives our bodies and brains a certain amount of pleasure. Recent scientific research is telling us specifically what is happening. A big reason for this buzz in our bodies and brains, is the release of a chemical in our bodies called dopamine. Dopamine is also related to and released when people think about money, eat food, or ingest psychoactive drugs. So, this research is a great reason to listen to music instead of taking drugs!

Here's a visual example of where dopamine travels in our brains...

Researchers who published a study in the journal Nature Neuroscience, showed that dopamine gets released on a graduating scale depending on how we feel about the music. When participants in the study listened to neutral music, not too much dopamine was released. When the participants listened to highly desired music, more dopamine was released. Even the anticipation of listening to favorable music released dopamine in the brain.

This research shows why music has played such a huge emotional role in most societies for centuries.

To get your natural buzz, sign up for some music lessons at Earthtone School of Music: http://www.earthtonemusic.org/

And follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EarthoneMusic