Music as an aesthetic experience is in many ways a pleasure of the intellect: those with musical training may appreciate the ingenious composition of particular pieces, while we can also gain pleasure from evocative and memorable lyrics, hooks, and melodies. But as the sometimes irresistible urge to tap one’s foot unconsciously to the beat proves, music also has automatic physical effects on the body, one of which is chills. Scientists now believe that chills may have been experienced by our most distant ancestors, and are ultimately linked to adrenaline.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NYC Neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Mind, told Grunge in an email interview: “Chills elicit a complex physiological response involving the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamus, muscle contractions, piloerection, immune system activation, changes in breathing patterns, and the release of endorphins. These responses work together to regulate body temperature, generate heat, and potentially create a unique subjective experience for the individual.”
Hafeeze explained further, “Firstly, the body’s autonomic nervous system reacts by activating the sympathetic branch, which is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response. This triggers the release of adrenaline, causing blood vessels to constrict and increasing heart rate and blood pressure. When chills occur, the hypothalamus detects a drop in body temperature and initiates a series of responses to generate heat.” This heat comes from the muscles contracting, which is the reason for the shiver or “chill” one feels when affected by a particular piece of music.
