It’s official: Marconi Union’s Weightless is the world’s most relaxing song, according to research commissioned by showergel company Radox.

As Lyz Cooper, of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, says: “The song makes use of many musical principles that have been shown to individually have a calming effect.

“The study found this to be the world’s most relaxing song. It contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50. While listening, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat.

“The harmonic intervals – or gaps between notes – have been chosen to create a feeling of euphoria and comfort.

“And there is no repeating melody, which allows your brain to completely switch off because you are no longer trying to predict what is coming next.”

Entrainment

The process Marconi Utilises is called entrainment: the synchronisation of organisms to external rhythms. In order for entrainment to successfully occur however, the song must last more than five minutes, which is why Weightless is eight minutes long.

The final technique, Lyz Cooper says, “the low, whooshing sounds and hums that are like Buddhist chants.

“High tones stimulate… but these low tones put you in a trance-like state.”

Health Benefits

According to the Academy, not only does the song cause a reduction in heart rate, but in turn also leads to reduced blood pressure.

It was also found to induce a 65 per cent reduction in overall anxiety, and brought participants to a level 35 per cent lower than their usual resting rates.

You can listen to Marconi Union’s Weightless here*:  http://soundcloud.com/justmusiclabel/marconi-union-weightless/s-kttxT

*Warning: do not listen whilst driving, operating heavy  machinery or performing delicate surgery.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049948/Most-relaxing-song-UK-band-Boffins.html

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