A Manchester based band, Marconi Union, has worked with sound therapists to create a tune that is described by scientific researchers as the “most relaxing song ever”.

Marconi Union: ambient music at its most relaxing

The harmonies, rhythms, tones and frequencies of the track entitled Weightless have been crafted specifically using the scientific principles of sound therapy so as to slow down breathing and brain activity, as well as slowing down the heart rate which automatically reduces blood pressure. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol are also lowered.

Entrainment

Weightless uses a process called ‘entrainment’ to relax the listener – the continuous rhythm of 60 bpm (beats per minute) causes the brainwaves and heart rate to synchronise with the rhythm, before gradually slowing to around 50.

Marconi Union, who specialise in ambient electronic music, worked together with Lyz Cooper, founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy to create the 8 minute track.

Richard Talbot of Marconi Union said that it had been fascinating to work with a sound therapist so as to understand some of the science behind the musical techniques that they “intuitively use when making music”.

“I always knew the power of music but we have previously written using gut feeling” he said.

Physiological responses tested in the lab

The physiological responses to the music were tested in a laboratory by scientists at Mindlab International, an independent research consultancy based in Sussex.

“Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound but also ones associated with emotions” said Dr David Lewis-Hodgson, from Mindlab International.

Duncan Smith, the Managing Director of Mindlab International said that the tests which were carried out on 40 women were designed to see the effect of music in the brain.

“We wanted to know if this was the most relaxing track, so we tested it along with other relaxing tracks to put it in context – to validate the claim that it really does relax people. We got got a big list of songs a and then whittled it down to 15 and tested them each.”

The tracks tested included pieces by Enya, Coldplay, Adele and Mozart.

Biofeedback used to compare the response to receiving a massage

They also took the track Weightless and tested it against a massage – using biofeedback.

The conclusion was that not only is it a very relaxing track, but “amazingly it is more relaxing than the massage” said Smith !!

The research stated that “the results clearly show that the track [Weightless] induced the greatest relaxation – higher than any of the other music tested”.

Lyz Cooper, said that the Manchester trio had used scientific theory to make the “perfect relaxing song” by combining many musical principles that individually have a calming effect.

“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.

“Instead, there are random chimes, which helps to induce a deeper sense of relaxation.

“The final element is 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.”

Sound therapy used for thousands of years

Sound therapy has of course been used for thousands of years to help people relax and improve their health and well-being.

“Music was at the heart of healing and worship among indigenous cultures” said Cooper.

“Anybody who lives under a flight path or near a busy road appreciate the effect sounds can have on your stress levels” she added.

So if you want to listen to the “world’s most relaxing song” to unwind at the end of a stressful day, Weightless can be listened to here. Alternatively it is also free to download at facebook.com/radox if you are willing to take a Radox Spa consultation. Weightless forms part of the Spa Therapy album which is also available from the Facebook page.

The Mozart Effect has received a lot of attention in the past few years, and whilst much of the scientific thinking behind it is now to some degree discredited, there is no doubting the power of baroque music to affect our being, or of sound therapy to deeply assist in the healing process. A piece by Mozart came in at No 9 of all the tunes studied.

Do not under any circumstances listen to Weightless whilst driving!

The top ten relaxing tunes from the Mindlab research

The top ten most relaxing tracks from the Mindlab study are:

1. Marconi Union – Weightless

2. Airstream – Electra

3. DJ Shah – Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)

4. Enya – Watermark

5. Coldplay – Strawberry Swing

6. Barcelona – Please Don’t Go

7. All Saints – Pure Shores

8. Adele – Someone Like You

9. Mozart – Canzonetta Sull’aria

10. Café Del Mar – We Can Fly

ambient music, biofeedback, Enya, Marconi Union, massage, Mozart, Mozart Effect, music, music industry, relaxation, Science, sound therapy, technology, Weightless Art & Music, Health