Archive for Wednesday 28th May
2003 - A cat's power
The healing power of a cat’s purr has been measured by scientists.
Researchers in the USA have discovered that this feline frequency
is not just the sign of a happy puss, but a healing vibration
which can improve bone density, provide pain relief and heal tendons
and muscle damage in humans. Cats are well known for bringing
comfort in times of illness or emotional turmoil. But the science
of bioacoustics, pioneered by Dr Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, has
identified that cats, from the tiger to the domestic pet, use
sound in a similar way to ultrasound in human physiotherapy –
and it’s not always for healing purposes.
A roaring tiger, they have discovered, delivers such a low-pitched
‘infrasound’ punch that it can momentarily ‘paralyse’ its prey.
Larger cats such as pumas were also found to purr at a frequency
within the same range that is known to strengthen human bones
and help them grow. This breakthrough could help astronauts who
lose bone density in zero gravity, to assist them in maintaining
healthy bones.
Purr power is probably the reason cats have been ‘endowed’ with
nine lives. Purring has provided them with an evolutionary advantage,
and their ability to vary the frequency means they can treat different
ailments. Both arthritis and respiratory disease are almost unknown
in cats. Growing up with cats can also boost children’s immune
systems protecting them from allergies and asthma.
Mark Winter
|
|
Feline
Facts
Feline facts Cats were first domesticated over 4,000 years ago
in Africa – when wild kittens were adopted by humans. The ancient
Egyptians worshipped a cat god, Bast, associated with the Moon,
and regarded as the bringer of pleasure, joy, music and dancing.
They gave cats full funeral rites. Huge cat cemeteries have been
discovered. The first domesticated cats behaved like hunting dogs,
retrieving their owners’ prey. |
If you have any feedback
or a subject you'd like to see covered on this page, write to Mark:
Email jon@bubble.com
with subject heading: Mark Winter
Please note, we regret that due to time restrictions personal replies
may not be available.
|
