Health Benefits of Aquarium Fish

Aquariums have been proven to help relieve stress and high blood pressure.

Fish Make a Difference

Researchers have compared the effects of hypnosis vs. an aquarium, fishless vs. fish filled aquariums, and no aquarium vs. having an aquarium. In all cases, having some sort of aquarium reduced blood pressure. Interestingly enough, greater reduction in blood pressure occurred when there were fish in the tank, vs pleasingly decorated, but fishless, tanks. Even watching a video tape of fish has been proven to have therapeutic effects.

Multitude of Benefits

Seniors who were provided with an aquarium filled with fish had significant blood pressure reduction. Watching fish has been shown to calm children who suffer from hyperactivity disorder. Dental patients who were subjected to hypnosis vs. an aquarium experienced the same or greater benefit from the aquarium. Other studies have shown that dental patients required less pain medication after having watched fish in the office. It's little wonder that physician offices, dental clinics, and even waiting rooms for counselors have traditionally kept an aquarium in the waiting room.

Aquarium Effect on Alzheimer's

Studies have shown that seniors who have Alzheimer's experience a variety of health benefits from watching an aquarium. Alzheimer patients ate more, and required fewer supplements after an aquarium was placed in the dining room. They also exhibited less physically aggressive behaviors.

Fish Fish Anywhere

Virtually any aquarium, from large to small, will have a benefit. A large aquarium is great, but if space is limited, a mini-aquarium will do. Seniors and students can usually find a place for an Eclipse style system. If it’s not possible to keep an aquarium, consider a video or DVD of aquarium fish. DVD players have reached rock bottom prices, and a video requires zero maintenance. Remember that many computers have DVD players these days. What better way to spend your lunch break than gazing at fish? Take advantage of the stress-relieving benefits of aquarium fish whenever, and wherever you can!