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Scripture tells us that man first received life in a breath from God, his creator. Since then, breathing has been an intricate, automatic, fundamental function of our existence. And since that first breath, people have used music to offer thanks to their creator for life and its beauty. It has been and still is an agent that heals our bodies, emotions and lifts us spiritually. Breathing and music; we can’t live without either one.

Today we live in a very stress filled world. The entertainment we enjoy is so high power. A number of television programs that enter our homes are violent with pictures and sounds coming to us at a rapid-fire rate. Radio is more subtle, but the commercials have someone shouting to draw our attention to their product or business. In addition, there are increasing demands placed on us and our time. We have computers and portable technology that can do remarkable things for us. But sometimes in an effort to satisfy all the demands using these advancements, we put more pressure on ourselves.

This combination of technology and our drive for accomplishing tasks, have led to the new buzz words, “multi-tasking”. Unfortunately, “multi-tasking” has replaced a familiar, less stressful expression, “one thing at a time”. This constant pounding of our fast paced lives pours tension and anxiety, frustration and irritability into every pore of our bodies. And we get so used to this life we often don’t see or feel the harmful effects. 

In these moments when we experience stress, breathing becomes quick, short and erratic. The result is not enough oxygen reaching the different organs or parts of the body. People can hyperventilate and become light headed, faint or be sick. Consequently the body stops running as smoothly as it was designed. A prolonged period of stress can cause some serious ailments such as migraine headaches, loss of sexual desire, irritable bowel syndrome, sleeplessness and interruption of memory. 

When we become stressed, we need to remember another saying that’s in our vernacular today; we need “down time.” When we become stressed, it is recommended that we take several long, deep breaths. We’re encouraged to close our eyes and slowly inhale air through our nose, holding it before exhaling through the mouth. Taking a few moments to regulate the breathing will get oxygen back into the body again. We feel refreshed and have clarity of thought so we can function better. 

Now if this can temporarily help us, would there be long term benefits to an established daily routine of deep breathing? The answer is, “yes!” In fact, people have discovered the benefits of regularly exhaling the accumulated stress and anxiety of daily life by planned breathing sessions with music. Together they combine to offer a one-two punch to good health.

Here are some commonalities between deep breathing and music: 
First, breathing is very important to music. Breathing is needed to sing. The proper intake of air allows a singer to clearly annunciate the words to a song, add emotional expression as well as hold the high notes. Furthermore, many instruments in the orchestra make their sounds when air is blown into the mouthpiece. This stream of air is supplied by musicians who have been trained to breathe properly. 

From a medical perspective, research concludes that deep breathing will reduce anxiety and stress which will enable the body to relax. The result is an increase of self control, better posture and more energy. In addition, proper breathing reduces muscle tension and boosts the immune system. It can even relax us so we can sleep. 

Concurrently, music can do more than entertain and help sell products and services. Medical research has shown that music can slow down the brain waves so numerous benefits can occur. These benefits include regulation of the individual’s heartbeat and pulse as well as the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems. Music is also known to reduce stress levels, ease depression and also help us to sleep. 

The music I refer to is soft, soothing and conducive to relaxation. I am one of those composers who create music to make people feel calm, centered and relaxed. My approach is to compose instrumental “story music” where the compositions and the instruments of the orchestra bring to life the melodious and often spiritual narratives that provide clues to the meaning of the song’s title. It is a subtle and different approach to composing music that gives a different result for the listener. My music, along with that of other committed and talented artists, is designed to help restore good health. 

Music and controlled breathing are intricate tools for those who regularly relax by means of yoga and meditation. But many of us do not want to devote this much time to de-stress. We want something that requires less commitment. Deep breathing certainly will do that. It is the easiest stress reducing technique available. It is simple to do. We don’t need any equipment, we can do it anywhere and if that’s not enough, it doesn’t cost anything. 

There are a variety of exercises one can do to extract the benefits of deep breathing with music in just 15 minutes a day, or even every other day. One of the common practices and one that I started using is this: in a place that is quiet and at a time of day that offers the best chance for success, light a candle and add aromatherapy if you choose. Select several songs that will act as a smooth bed of music for your session. You can position the music and your breathing time to end simultaneously. There are benefits of playing music when deep breathing. Music creates calm to set a quiet ambience for the sessions. It will also insulate you from surrounding noise such as a honking horn, neighbor’s television or slamming doors. You’ll be able to better focus on you breathing. 

Start by sitting upright in a comfortable chair. It is best if the chair is stationary with a high back so you can keep your head stabilized. With your legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor, place your hands on your thighs. Close your eyes and just sit quietly for a moment. Breathe normally as your body relaxes to a quiet state. Push the clutter from your mind and focus on obtaining a regular breathing pattern. 

One thing that helps me accomplish this is to inhale at the start of a musical line or exhale as a closing line plays within a section of music. It synchronizes my breathing with the music. Slowly inhale through your nostrils and hold for a count of 5. Shape your mouth as if you were drinking from a straw and slowly exhale. With each exhale, think of the tension and frustration leaving your body. You can slowly count 1-2-3-4 as you inhale and then reverse the count as you exhale. Do 3 deep breaths to finish the first set. Then relax and take several normal breaths. 

Take your time and enjoy this part of the day. Repeat this pattern 2 more times. Next, your session should continue seamlessly as you fold your hands and place them on your stomach, just above your navel. In this position, you’ll feel your abdomen fill with air and then fall naturally when you let air out. Again take 3 deep breaths. Follow them by normal breathing and do 2 more sets. You may finish your breathing session with a few minutes to spare. I prefer to sit quietly with eyes closed listening to the music and my normal breathing. 

There is nothing you can do to escape the stress and strains of this world. But deep breathing in concert with soft, soothing music on a regularly scheduled program can help relieve anxiety, stress, and frustration so you can take control of your life. You can then be more confident, relaxed and able to enjoy the life your creator intended when the first breath was exchanged. 

Tony Falzano is an award winning songwriter, who has released his new instrumental CD, In Abba’s Arms. 

The album contains a generous 72 minutes of ear friendly melodies and soul comforting harmonies. Many listeners have enjoyed his unique, nurturing music to heighten meditation and relaxation. His highly regarded composition, “The Fisherman’s Net” off this CD, is the musical back drop for Barbara J. Litterio’s, “Chakra Meditation”. The album is perfect for instructors in the healing arts of reiki, massage and pilates. 

In Abba’s Arms is currently available on our products page or by phoning, 585.234.8777. The CD will also soon be available in AEA’s online AKWA Shop. You can contact Tony at tonyfalzano@aol.com.

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