Music Therapy

The Benefits of Music on Health and Wellbeing

© Samantha Markham

Apr 27, 2009
Treble Clef, Imelenchon
The health benefits of music should not be overlooked. In fact, music is now deemed as a form of health care.

The powerful affects of music simply cannot be overlooked. It has been proven that music’s effects are not limited to adults, or indeed to humans. There is much evidence to suggest that it can also be soothing to both babies and animals.

How Music Affects The Body

The affects of music on both physically and psychologically are varied and are largely dependent upon the genre of music that is listened to. Studies have shown that particular types of music are good for specific situations. In fact, music is excellent in aiding an individual to reach a particular psychological state.

It has been proven that music can aid in many different areas, such as: pain management, depression, and anxiety. The question is, how do these benefits occur? As there are actual physical changes to the body when it encounters music, these changes can be measured and monitored.

Scientific studies show that music can actually stimulate the activity of the brain. The rhythm of the music affects the brainwaves, and these effects come with very powerful consequences. It can offer greater concentration, or conversely a meditative state. In turn, these changes bring about alterations in other areas of the body. Breathing and heart rate can be altered, which can subsequently have an impact on an individual’s health.

Make Music Part of Everyday Life

Therefore, it seems that music is fundamental to a human’s well-being. In this ever increasing stressful world, it is more imperative than ever to make time for music in everyday life. Fortunately it is now easier than ever before to achieve this. The advent of the ipod and MP3 player has resulted in the ability to listen to any kind of music at any chosen interval in the day.

Of course the genre of music chosen can seriously affect mood and well-being. Musical taste is very subjective, however, there are theories that particularly ‘heavy’ genres of music, such as, metal, drum and bass, garage etc, can have a negative affect on an individual’s mood.

It is important to make time for music, for example listening during the commute to work, either with a car stereo, or on public transport with an MP3 player. In addition, listening to music before going to bed can aid relaxation, and ensure a good night’s sleep.

Music really should be an important ingredient in everybody’s life. It is clearly an aid to more temperate moods and a reducing agent for anxiety and stress. Simply put, good music can make a person feel good. Furthermore, it is an easy way to enhance the enjoyment of life.


The copyright of the article Music Therapy in Natural Medicine is owned by Samantha Markham. Permission to republish Music Therapy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Treble Clef, Imelenchon
       


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