By Maria Papagiannopoulou,
Billy Joel, an American singer, famously observed: “I believe music is therapeutic in itself.” “It is a colossal display of humanity. It is something that affects us all. Everyone likes music, no matter what culture they come from.” Most of us would heartily agree with this statement, and it is this universal relationship with music that has prompted researchers all around the world to look into its therapeutic capabilities.
We can all think of at least one song that makes us feel something when we hear it. It could be a song that played during your wedding’s first dance, or one that reminds you of a tough breakup, or the death of a loved one.
Music has a great power to help physical healing, in addition to its well-known emotional and spiritual effects. Music therapy has been shown to aid in the recovery of patients suffering from strokes and brain injuries, as well as the management of Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to a study from 2008, music assisted patients recovering from a stroke with verbal recall and keeping focus, according to a study published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology. It also helped with melancholy and apprehension.
Though additional research is needed to prove the potential health advantages of music, several studies show that listening to music has the following benefits:
- Improves your mood. Music is shown in studies to improve general well-being, regulate emotions, and promote enjoyment and relaxation in everyday life.
- Reduces stress. In healthy individuals and those undergoing medical treatments, listening to “relaxing” music (usually defined as music with a leisurely tempo, low tone, and no lyrics) has been demonstrated to lower stress and anxiety (e.g. surgery, dental, colonoscopy).
- Lessens anxiety. People who have cancer, listen to music, in combination with standard care, in order to reduce their anxiety.
- Improves exercise. Music is shown to improve aerobic activity, mental and physical stimulation, and overall performance in studies.
5. Improves memory. According to studies, the repeating features of rhythm and melody assist our brains build memory-enhancing patterns. Listening to music helps stroke survivors have improved verbal recall, less confusion, and more focused attention, according to a research.
6. Eases pain. Patients who listened to music before, during, or after surgery had less pain and higher overall satisfaction than those who did not listen to music as part of their care, according to research.
7. Provides comfort. Music therapy has also been used to help patients with critical illnesses and end-of-life cares, improve communication, coping, and expression of emotions such as fear, loneliness, and rage.
8. Improves cognition. Music can also assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease in recalling seemingly lost memories and even maintaining some mental functions.
9. Helps children with autism spectrum disorder. Music therapy improved social reactions, communication abilities, and attention abilities in children with autism spectrum condition in studies.
10. Soothes premature babies. Live music and lullabies are said to improve vital signs, feeding behaviors, and sucking patterns in premature infants, as well as lengthen periods of quiet–alert states.
Music can even be used to improve our mood. However, we have to know which type of music is most beneficial for us, as it is normally based on personal preference. However, it is believed that classical music is usually the most rewarding. This ancient art is also one of the most powerful forms of healing for many different sicknesses. Music is truly amazing!
Reference
- The Power of Music: To Feel, Heal, and Connect, The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, Available here
