Believe it or not, but in such times of distress, an aquarium can help! It may sound silly to many, but it has been proven in various scientific researches that watching fishes swimming around in aquariums (also known as aquarium therapy), has a soothing effect on restless minds.
Reduces Stress:
A number of studies have concluded that gazing at fishes in aquariums have therapeutic effects on the emotional and physiological state of people. It helps in calming and reducing anxiety levels as well as relaxing the mind. This is the reason why you may have observed hospitals around the world having aquariums in their waiting areas. Ever wondered? Now you know why!
Blood Pressure:
Lowered blood pressure is one way to measure reduction in stress levels. Many ailments are associated with high stress in our daily lives, including heart attacks, sleep disorders and ulcers. Fish swimming around in their natural habitat (plants, rocks, pebbles), triggers a hypnotic effect by their peaceful nature.
Insomnia:
People suffering from insomnia can benefit greatly from keeping an aquarium at home. Watching the fishes for 15-20 minutes before bedtime can help induce peaceful sleep.
Heart Attack:
Aquarium therapy assists in reducing the blood pressure which results in a decrease in pulse rate and relaxes muscle tension. Spending some time in front of the aquarium and its colourful inhabitants not only uplifts your mood but proves beneficial for the cardiovascular system, ultimately giving a boost to your longevity.
Alzheimer’s:
A study conducted on Alzheimer’s patients concluded that, patients when exposed to an aquarium containing colourful fishes, plants, corals etc resulted in overall improved behaviour. A noticeable improvement in eating habits was also observed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Surely you have heard of, or may have even seen a video of dolphins helping children cope with emotional disorders? Well, studies have shown that watching fish in aquariums brought significant calmness in children diagnosed with ADHD while improving their concentration.
Autistism:
Autistic kids are prone to having emotional outbursts. Research has concluded that adding therapeutic aquarium visits between table therapy sessions, helped calm their aggression and stimulation.
Pain Reliever:
Studies conducted in dental patients have shown less pain medication requirement, both before and after procedures. Watching the fish swim to and fro lowered the stress of waiting to be examined by doctors. This is why doctors and dentists have installed aquariums in their waiting rooms. Patients feel more relaxed by the time the physician sees them.
Effect on Senior Citizens:
Seniors, who were provided with an aquarium with fish in it, had significant reductions in their blood pressure. They also ate more and required less supplements after an aquarium was placed in the dining room. They were also found to be happier and relaxed within sight of a fish tank.
So, what is the science behind it all?
With the help of modern neuroscience, it is now possible to understand the correlation between the aquarium and brain neurochemicals secreted, when people gaze at fishes and the aquascaping. Download and read to know more about this here.
