Across the world, it has been acknowledged that music is the universal language of mankind. Music has been found to soothe, stimulate, and cheer. No wonder, the use of music in therapies are common and have been found to be effective in assisting with the cure and treatment of health conditions such as anxieties, fears, and phobias. So the next time you feel blue, hook up your Apple iPod and let the music work its charm on you, driving away the blues.
What Does Music Heal?
While music has always been known to uplift spirits and inject enthusiasm and energy, recent scientific studies have found music to be extremely beneficial for a number of physical ailments.
Medical professionals now use music in the treatment of many life-threatening and potentially terminal diseases like cancer. The use of music has been found to decrease the pain, worry, and sickness associated with chemotherapy. Music has been found to enrich the overall quality of life of the patient, besides providing relaxation. A number of medical professionals also believe that music therapy increases social interaction among children suffering from cancer, promoting the effects of the actual medical treatment.
Music therapy has also been known to help get rid of depression, insomnia, fatigue, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. Patients suffering from arthritis and epilepsy have also been helped by music therapy.
How Does Music Therapy Work
Music has been found to affect activity in our brain as well as our overall physical functions. A strong beat has been found to fire up brainwaves so that they resonate with the beat in sync. Fast-paced music leads to increased concentration and alertness. A slower rhythm, on the other hand, ensures a calmer frame of mind.
Music can also affect physical functions. Body functions governed by the autonomous nervous system, including the heart beat and breathing, are also affected by music. A slow, soothing rhythm can thus be used to help the body relax, overturning the effects of stress and mental strain.
How is Music Therapy Done?
Before choosing music as an option for therapy, it is best to seek advice from a practicing health professional. Music therapy may involve consulting a doctor, sharing the medical history of the patient, and music and lyrics planning and discussion, etc.
Music therapy may be carried out by hospitals and nursing homes; by schools for special learners, for teaching communication and/or physical coordination skills; or by psychiatric facilities for creating positive changes in the patients emotional and mental state.
Conclusion
Music is beneficial not only for emotional and psychological health, but also cures physical symptoms, aches, and pains. Music need not be used in therapy only when one faces debilitating symptoms. You can use music everyday for keeping your spirits high, controlling anxiety, keeping yourself entertained and peaceful when driving, or keeping you on the move when you exercise. So, plug in your iPod music player, get the best-suited musical tracks and numbers, and get groovy!
John is a health care professional. He has been working with cancer patients for eight years. He strongly believes in Music therapy.
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