Music Compositions at 432 Hz Can Calm The Mind and Anxiety

by Ketut Sumerjana

The examination of musical compositions tuned at 432 Hz has garnered attention due to its purported calming effects on the psyche and anxiety levels. Individuals occasionally juxtapose this frequency with the conventional tuning of 440 Hz, which has been criticized for its capacity to induce discomfort and irritability in listeners. Research indicates that music tuned to 432 Hz may promote a calmer state, inducing physiological changes that help alleviate anxiety. Aravena et al. found that music at 432 Hz significantly reduced anxiety and cortisol levels in patients undergoing dental procedures compared to music tuned at 440 Hz [1]. This signifies its effectiveness as a therapeutic tool in stressful situations. 

The physiological impacts of listening to 432 Hz music exceed mere subjective experiences of tranquility. Modran et al. demonstrated that music at this frequency can reduce heart rates, acting as a physiological marker of tranquility and diminished worry [2]. This is particularly relevant in clinical settings where anxiety management is crucial, such as during dental procedures or medical treatments. Research by Bidari et al. indicates that exposure to 432 Hz music during gestation may promote neurodevelopment in progeny, implying that the calming attributes of this frequency could yield enduring advantages [3]. This indicates that the effects of 432 Hz music may be both immediate and substantially affect developmental processes. 

The historical and cultural context of 432 Hz music enhances its perceived benefits. Many proponents of this frequency assert that it resonates more harmoniously with the universe's natural frequencies, promoting a sense of well-being and balance [4]. Stoilov et al. noted that, despite the scientific community's division on the objective superiority of 432 Hz over 440 Hz, a growing body of anecdotal evidence suggests that listeners often favor the former for its calming qualities [5]. This preference may arise from the psychological and emotional responses elicited by specific frequencies, as evidenced by Yin's study on the impact of different musical frequencies on brain activity and emotional conditions [6]. 

Moreover, the therapeutic applications of 432 Hz music are increasingly acknowledged in other fields, including psychology and complementary medicine. Tedeschi's review suggests that some frequencies, including 432 Hz, may aid in reducing anxiety and pain, particularly in therapeutic contexts [7]. Bando's research reinforces the notion that music at this frequency may enhance relaxation and augment the efficacy of other therapeutic interventions [8]. Music therapy is increasingly utilized in clinical practice, supported by evidence of its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and improving mental health. 

The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the calming effects of 432 Hz music are a topic of interest. Research indicates that music influences brain activity and emotional states through several methods, including the modulation of neurotransmitter release and the activation of brain regions associated with emotion regulation [9]. Research by Russo et al. indicates that precise tuning, especially at 432 Hz, may enhance the significant impact of music on the central nervous system [9]. This aligns with the findings of Lee et al., who demonstrated that music therapies can elicit measurable changes in brain activity, hence supporting the idea that 432 Hz music may offer unique benefits [10]. 

Various physiological, psychological, and cultural factors substantiate the calming effects of 432 Hz music. The frequency appears to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and cultivate positive emotional states, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic and everyday contexts. Current research into the complexities of musical frequency and its effects on the human brain and physiology may establish 432 Hz music as a vital component in comprehensive approaches to mental health and wellness. 

References

[1] A. Aravena1, Mancilla3, "Effect of music at 432 Hz and 440 Hz on dental anxiety and salivary cortisol levels in patients undergoing tooth extraction: a randomized clinical trial," 2020.

[2] H. A. Modran, T. Chamunorwa, D. Ursuțiu, C. Samoilă, and H. Hedeșiu, "Using Deep Learning to Recognize Therapeutic Effects of Music Based on Emotions," Sensors, vol. 23, no. 2, p. 986, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/2/986.

[3] S. Bidari, M. Zendehdel, S. Hassanpour, and B. Rahmani, "Maternal music exposure during pregnancy influences reflexive motor behaviors in mice offspring," International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, vol. 83, no. 6, pp. 546-551, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jdn.10285.

[4] R. E. Rosenberg, "Perfect Pitch: 432 Hz Music and the Promise of Frequency," Journal of Popular Music Studies, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 137-154, 2021, doi: 10.1525/jpms.2021.33.1.137.

[5] A. Stoilov, J. Muncan, K. Tsuchimoto, N. Teruyaki, S. Shigeoka, and R. Tsenkova, "Pilot Aquaphotomic Study of the Effects of Audible Sound on Water Molecular Structure," Molecules, vol. 27, no. 19, p. 6332, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/19/6332.

[6] J. Yin et al., "Effects of different frequencies music on cortical responses and functional connectivity in patients with minimal conscious state," Journal of Biophotonics, vol. 17, no. 5, p. e202300427, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202300427.

[7] Tedeschi, "Can beneficial frequencies in physiotherapy help treatment? Scoping Review," 2023.

[8] Y. BANDO, Bando et al., "Certain frequency music has attracted attention for possible effective healing," 2023.

[9] C. Russo, M. Patanè, R. Pellitteri, S. Stanzani, and A. Russo, "Prenatal music exposure influences weight, ghrelin expression, and morphology of rat hypothalamic neuron cultures," International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, vol. 81, no. 2, pp. 151-158, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jdn.10084.

[10] E. Lee, Y. Bang, I.-Y. Yoon, and H.-Y. Choi, "Entrapment of Binaural Auditory Beats in Subjects with Symptoms of Insomnia," Brain Sciences, vol. 12, no. 3, p. 339, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/3/339.