Any list of ways to stay healthy will probably include a balanced diet and regular exercise. But did you know you can also add music to the list? We are all familiar with the effects of music on our moods. Studies have found that music stimulates certain areas of the brain and that it triggers pleasure. If music can enchant us, can it help our health as well? Is there any evidence?
任何養生清單大概都會包含均衡的飲食和規律的運動。不過，你知道你還可以加入聽音樂這個方法嗎？我們都很熟悉音樂對我們的心情所帶來的影響。研究也發現音樂會刺激大腦特定的區域，帶來愉悅感。如果音樂可以使我們陶醉其中，那麼它是否也有助於我們的健康呢？有任何證據可以證明嗎？
A German study split participants into four groups. The first, second, and third groups listened to music by Mozart, Johann Strauss Jr., and the Swedish pop band ABBA, respectively. The fourth group sat or lay down in silence. Everyone had their blood pressure and heart rate measured before and afterwards. The classical music of Mozart and Strauss lowered the measurements because it had a calming effect on the heart and circulation. The ABBA songs, however, made little difference. In the "silent" group, the calming effect was less than that on the classical music listeners.
德國有一項研究將受試者分為四組。第一、二、三組分別聆聽莫札特、史特勞斯，以及瑞典流行樂團阿巴合唱團的音樂。第四組則靜靜地坐著或躺著。每個人都在受測前後，測量了血壓和心律。莫札特和史特勞斯的古典樂能降低這些數值，因為古典樂有穩定心律和血液循環的鎮靜效果。阿巴合唱團的歌則沒有太大的變化。在完全沒有聽音樂的組別裡，鎮靜的效果少於聽古典樂的受試者。
Other researchers have found similar helpful effects of music. Most researchers have concluded that, in order for music to benefit blood pressure, it should have no words, few changes in volume or rhythm, and repeated gentle harmonies. One study by Oxford University suggested that musical compositions matching the rhythms of the body could be used to control heart rate and that Mozart's music seemed to be especially good at this.
其他的研究者也發現有類似的音樂良效。大多數研究人員的結論是，能用來穩定血壓的音樂應該要是沒有歌詞、音量和節奏沒有太大的變化，以及要反覆出現輕柔的和聲。牛津大學的一項研究顯示，與身體節奏相吻合的樂曲可用於控制心律，而莫札特的音樂在這方面似乎特別有效。
Using music in medical treatment is becoming more common. It can help ease pain in some patients and reduce the amount of anesthesia needed during operations. It can also relieve stress and anxiety in children waiting for or undergoing medical procedures. There is even some evidence that listening to music can boost the body's immune system, though we won't know for sure until more research is done.
音樂用於醫療變得越來越常見。音樂有助於減輕某些病人的疼痛，且能減少手術時所需要的麻醉劑量。音樂也可以用來舒緩兒童在候診或進行療程時的壓力和焦慮。甚至有些研究證實聽音樂可以增強免疫系統，雖然這一點要等到更多的研究證實後才能確定。
There have been numerous reports of other good effects of classical music. Officials in Washington State claim that immigrants learn English more quickly when they listen to Mozart. In Canada, it seems that string quartets performing Mozart's music in city squares have a calming effect on passers-by. People said they felt less stressed because they heard the music. Even animals seem to respond to music. In France, cows give more milk when Mozart is played to them.
還有許多研究報告顯示古典音樂有著其他的良效。華盛頓州的官員聲稱，新進移民在學習英語時，聽莫札特的音樂會使學習加快。四重奏樂團在加拿大市政廣場演奏莫札特的音樂似乎能對行人有鎮靜效果。民眾表示他們因為聽到了音樂而感到比較紓壓。甚至連動物似乎都能對音樂有所反應。在法國，乳牛聽了莫札特的音樂後，會產出更多的牛乳。
The precise health benefits of music are not yet proven beyond doubt, but using music more often in medical treatment might improve our general health and happiness. Music therapy is safe, cheap, and convenient. Listening to music can relieve stress and anxiety, decrease pain, and protect us against disease. It is one of the best lifestyle choices we can make.
音樂對於健康的確切效益尚未被完全證實，但是更常將音樂用於醫療方面，可能可以提升我們的整體健康和快樂。音樂療法安全、平價、又方便。聽音樂可以紓壓、解憂、鎮痛，並且對抗疾病。它是我們可以選擇的生活方式中最好的其中一項。
- regular [ˋrɛgjəlɚ] adj.
固定的；頻繁的
I think I will start taking dance classes on a regular basis, such as once a week.
我想我要開始固定上舞蹈課了，譬如一週一次。
Mr. Jackson is a regular visitor to the public library, where he reads magazines almost every day.
Jackson 先生常拜訪這間公立圖書館，他幾乎每天都在這裡讀雜誌。 - stimulate [ˋstɪmjə͵let] v.
刺激
Its makers claim this medicine can stimulate the brain and help people think clearly.
製造商聲稱這個藥物能刺激大腦，並幫助人們清楚地思考。 - enchant [ɪnˋtʃænt] v.
使陶醉；對...施魔法
The songs from the singer's latest album have enchanted many teenagers.
這個歌手最新專輯裡的歌讓許多青少年為之陶醉。
The prince fell in love with the witch because he was enchanted by her.
巫婆對王子施魔法，使他愛上她。 - evidence [ˋɛvədəns] n.
證據
Professor Lin says he will present evidence of life on other planets in his speech.
林教授說他會在演講中提出其他星球上有生命存在的證據。 - evident [ˋɛvədənt] adj.
明顯的，明白的
From the expression on her face, it was evident that Annie didn't believe me.
從她臉上的表情可以得知，Annie 顯然不相信我。 - split [splɪt] v.
使...分開
If you split the job into smaller tasks, you will find it easier to complete.
如果你把工作劃分為更小的任務，你會發現工作更容易完成。 - respectively [rɪˋspɛktɪvlɪ] adv.
分別地，各自地
Mr. King and Ms. Jones are the managers of the sales and research departments, respectively.
King 先生和 Jones 小姐分別是銷售和研發部門的主管。 - respective [rɪˋspɛktɪv] adj.
分別的，各自的
Carla and John were the only members of their respective families to go to college.
Carla 和 John 是他們各自的家族中唯一上大學的成員。 - measure [ˋmɛʒɚ] v.
測量
We measured the table and found it was too big to go in our living room.
我們測量了桌子，發現它太大了，進不去我們的客廳。 - measurement [ˋmɛʒɚmənt] n.
測量
This instrument is specially designed for the measurement of very small objects.
這個儀器是特別被設計來測量很小的物品。 - afterwards [ˋæftɚwɚdz] adv.
之後，後來
The wedding ceremony itself was a little boring, but the party afterwards was delightful.
婚禮本身有點無聊，但之後的派對非常有趣。 - circulation [͵sɝkjəˋleʃən] n.
（血液的）循環
In cold weather, staying active helps circulation and keeps you warm.
天氣寒冷時，多活動能幫助血液循環並保暖。 - circulate [ˋsɝkjə͵let] v.
循環
As blood circulates, it carries nutrients to every part of the body.
血液循環時，能將養分運送到全身上下。 - volume [ˋvɑljəm] n.
音量
Please turn down the volume on the radio. It's too loud.
請降低收音機的音量。它太大聲了。 - harmony [ˋhɑrmənɪ] n.
和聲；和諧，一致
I heard a beautiful harmony on the radio this morning, but I don't know who the singers were.
今天早上我在電台上聽到一段美麗的合聲，但我不知道歌手是誰。
One day, hopefully, all the people of the world will live in harmony.
希望有一天世界上所有人都能和睦相處。 - harmonious [hɑrˋmonɪəs] adj.
和諧的
There have always been harmonious relations between my family and our next-door neighbors.
我家跟隔壁鄰居一直都處在很和諧的關係。 - composition [kɑmpəˋzɪʃən] n.
（音樂）作品，樂曲
Among the compositions by J.S. Bach are many works written for the piano.
巴哈的作品中有許多是寫給鋼琴演奏的。 - compose [kəmˋpoz] v.
作（詩歌、樂曲等）；組成
Petra is a very talented musician who composes all her own tunes.
Petra 是非常有天分的音樂家，她所有的曲都是自己作的。
This drink is composed of three different kinds of fruit juice.
這款飲料是由三種不同的果汁組成的。 - composer [kəmˋpozɚ] n.
作曲家
Chopin was a Polish composer and brilliant pianist of the Romantic Period.
蕭邦是位波蘭作曲家，也是浪漫時期一位很出色的鋼琴家。 - relieve [rɪˋliv] v.
減輕
The medicine has relieved Pamela's headache, but she is still feeling down.
這個藥已經紓緩了 Pamela 的頭痛，但她還是覺得很沮喪。 - relieved [rɪˋlivd] adj.
放心的
Patrick was relieved when he got the test score because he had thought he might fail.
Patrick 拿到考試成績的時候鬆了一口氣，因為他以為他會不及格。 - relief [rɪˋlif] n.
解除；放心
It was such a relief to hear that Dora got home safely after all.
知道 Dora 最後有安全到家，真的讓人鬆了一口氣。 - anxiety [æŋˋzaɪətɪ] n.
焦慮
Lots of people have feelings of anxiety when going to see a dentist.
許多人在去看牙醫的時候都有焦慮的感覺。 - anxious [ˋæŋkʃəs] adj.
急切的，焦慮的
Dick was trembling because he was anxious about meeting his girlfriend's parents.
Dick 在發抖，因為去見他女友的父母讓他很緊張。 - undergo [͵ʌndɚˋgo] v.
經歷（手術、改變或不愉快的事等）
Grandpa is undergoing an operation this morning, and we all hope he'll be OK.
爺爺今天早上動手術，我們都希望他會沒事。 - procedure [prəˋsidʒɚ] n.
手術；程序
The procedure can be dangerous, and around ten percent of patients die.
這種手術可能會很危險，大約會有百分之十的手術患者會死亡。
This paper explains the procedure for applying to our college.
這份文件解釋了申請我們大學所需的程序。 - boost [bust] v.
提高
Johnny did a lot of work on the engine to boost the car's performance.
為了提高車子的性能，Johnny 在引擎上花了很多心思。 - numerous [ˋnjumərəs] adj.
許多的
When the teacher checked Amy's work, she found numerous careless mistakes.
當老師檢查 Amy 的作業，她發現了許多粗心的錯誤。 - immigrant [ˋɪməgrənt] n.
（外來的）移民
George was born in the United States, where both his parents were immigrants.
George 在美國出生，他爸媽當時都是外地來的移民。 - immigration [͵ɪməˋgreʃən] n.
移民（入境）
The country has introduced new immigration laws to control the increase in its population.
這個國家引進了新的移民條例來控制它的人口增長。 - perform [pɚˋfɔrm] v.
表演
The band will perform twenty songs in the concert.
這個樂團會在演唱會當中表演二十首歌。
The parents were excited to see their children perform on stage for the first time.
這些家長很興奮可以看到他們的孩子在台上首次表演。 - performance [pɚˋfɔrməns] n.
表演，演出
Please be seated. The performance will start in ten minutes.
請就坐。表演將在十分鐘內開始。 - performer [pɚˋfɔrmɚ] n.
表演者
Those street performers can do interesting magic tricks.
那些街頭藝人會變有趣的魔術。 - precise [prɪˋsaɪs] adj.
正確的，精確的
I don't remember the precise cost of the meal, but it was less than 100 dollars.
我不記得那餐確切的花費是多少，但是不到 100 塊啦。 - precision [prɪˋsɪʒən] n.
正確，精確
This machine cuts metal with great precision for use in electronic devices.
這台機器可以很精準的切割金屬，以便用在電子設備中。 - precisely [prɪˋsaɪslɪ] adv.
精確地，準確地
In precisely one hour, Sara's son will appear live on a TV talent show.
在正好一小時之後，Sara 的兒子就會在電視的才藝直播節目上出現。 - improve [ɪmˋpruv] v.
改善
Jason improved his French by spending the whole summer in Paris.
Jason 藉由在巴黎待一整個夏天來改善他的法文。 - improvement [ɪmˋpruvmənt] n.
改善
There has been a recent improvement in Rita's attitude to her studies, and her grades are much better now.
Rita 對學業的態度最近有改善，她現在的成績好很多了。 - therapy [ˋθɛrəpɪ] n.
治療
Recovering from this injury will require various types of therapy for many weeks.
要從這種傷勢復原會需要好幾週，且需要許多種療程。 - decrease [dɪˋkris] v.
減少
To decrease living costs, my roommates and I have combined our spending on food.
為了減少生活花費，我的室友跟我會共同負擔食物開銷。 - decrease [ˋdikris] n.
減少
There has been a decrease in unemployment as the economy has improved.
因為經濟景氣有改善，最近失業率有下降。 - lie down
躺下
After serving dinner to ten guests, Olivia was so tired that she lay down on the sofa and fell asleep.
在為十位客人上完菜之後，Olivia 累到在沙發上倒頭就睡。 - make...difference
帶來...改變
I'm glad Susan works with us because her help makes a big difference.
我很高興 Susan 跟我們合作，因為她的幫助為我們帶來很大的改變。 - beyond doubt
無疑，確實
Jeff's ability is beyond doubt, but he doesn't seem determined enough to succeed.
Jeff 的能力無庸置疑，但他似乎沒有足夠的決心要成功。 - protect...against...
保護
These walls were built to protect the town against flooding from the river.
這些牆壁被建造來保護城鎮免於溪水氾濫。
