Music as therapy

Have you ever listened to music to help you relax or pump up your mood?  Not only is music fun and enjoyable to listen to, but it can also be therapeutic and used to treat a number of different physical and emotional health needs. As defined by The American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is, "The clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program."

Music therapy isn't just for people who have observable needs but it is for anyone and everyone. Music therapy is used in two ways: it is played to set a mood for the individual or it can be used by having the individual actually play an instrument such as drumming for stress reduction. Music therapy has found to be effective in a number of journals such as in the, Journal of Music Therapy or in Music Therapy Perspectives. 

How exactly does music affect the body?

Brain Waves:

Research has shown that music with a slower tempo can slow down the brain waves to be put into a more relaxed and meditative state. Conversely, music with a faster tempo can be used to help with concentration and feeling sharper and more alert. This happens because your brain's waves sync with the music's beats.

Breathing and Heart Rate:

When your brain waves change so do other functions in your body. If the music's tempo is slower the other functions in the nervous system slow down too. This leads to a slower heart rate and slower and deeper breathing which are perfect for relaxing and thus, reducing stress.

State of Mind:

Music can also govern the state of mind. If the music is positive it can make one feel more optimistic and keeps levels of depression, anxiety and stress down. This can lead to more creative and effective thinking.

There are many benefits to music and surprisingly, it has been found that there is no particular type of music that is said to be more beneficial than another. Music can also be used to boost immunity, release muscle tension and reduce the risk of problems that could potentially occur down the road such as heart attack and stroke. So the next time you need to set the mood, put on a calming album and get away for a while.