Affective and emotional disorders

Filtered music can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and burnout
Stimulating the limbic system is the key
Headaches, burn-out, chronic fatigue, even depression, all concerned?

Stressful and challenging situations can affect our emotional and physical well-being. Our body's response to stress can be seen in the activation of the limbic system, which controls the release of stress hormones and can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and even depression.

While we often recognize the importance of physical movement for maintaining our body, we may not always realize the importance of stimulating our brain to maintain its health.

Sending sensory messages to the brain through the ear can energize and relax us. The ear being the most important channel for sensory messages in the human body, it's important to understand its role.

The role of the ear-brain connection

Sending sensory messages to the brain through the ear can have a powerful impact on our overall well-being. The ear is one of the most important channels for sensory messages in the human body, and it plays a crucial role in processing and interpreting sounds and other auditory information. By sending specific auditory stimuli to the ear, it is possible to activate different areas of the brain, leading to changes in mood, stress levels, and overall cognitive function.

However, it's important to note that stimulation can be impaired when the brain activates a protective mechanism as a response to stress, such as a traumatic event or prolonged exposure to a challenging environment.

This can occur for people who are facing changes in their pace of life, increased responsibilities, loss of support, and social pressure, making it harder for them to process and respond to sensory messages.

The limbic system


The limbic system is a complex network of structures in the brain that plays a key role in emotions, memory, and learning. It is composed of several structures including the hippocampus, amygdala, and the cingulate gyrus.

The hippocampus is responsible for forming and consolidating new memories, particularly for long-term memories. It plays an important role in the process of encoding, storage and retrieval of memories. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory impairments.

The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear, anger and pleasure. It plays a role in the emotional and physiological responses to stressful situations. It also plays a role in the formation of emotional memories, and can be activated in response to different emotions, leading to a range of physiological and behavioral responses.

The cingulate gyrus is responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulses. It is also involved in the regulation of attention and motivation. Damage to the cingulate gyrus can lead to emotional dysregulation and difficulty with impulse control.

Overall, the limbic system plays a crucial role in our emotional and cognitive lives, it helps to process and store memories, and it helps to regulate emotions. The activity of the limbic system can be influenced by various factors such as stress, hormones, and emotions, and it can have a significant impact on our mental and physical well-being.

Stimulating the limbic system is the key

Stimulating the limbic system with specific music can be an effective way to help people suffering from depression, burn-out and chronic fatigue. The limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions, and it plays a key role in how we respond to stress and other emotional states. By using music to target specific areas of the limbic system, it may be possible to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote feelings of calm and well-being.

The Tomatis® Method acts on the limbic system (middle part of the brain) to which the auditory system is connected. In addition, the middle ear organ called the cochlea acts as a cortical load. Thus, through its action on the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex, the Tomatis Method will intervene in the regulation of emotional disorders related to depression and anxiety. It will also have an effective direct action on the regulation of stress.

Anna, one of my patients, had great difficulty getting out of her chronic depression. The more time passed, the more she despaired and withdrew into herself. After a few sessions of Tomatis passive listening, combined with psychotherapy, she started to feel better. Today, she feels much better and has regained her zest for life.

Julien Frère, Tomatis® consultant