People often hail music as one of the best therapies – a simple form of art that has helped us connect with our inner selves and express our feelings for centuries now. Music is believed to have unprecedented effects on all individuals and even animals, making them calm, connected and at peace. Music can change your mood, your sleeping pattern and has the power to unlock everything that we are yet unknown to. PErhaps this is the reason why music has been tried and tested as a form of therapy. The Music Therapy technique is debated and its effects questioned even now. But before we come down to how music has helped transformed lives, let us understand how music can do so much and control our behaviour.
Health benefits of music and music therapy
Music induces relaxation and happiness
That’s correct – it increases your serotonin and endorphin levels, which is why you feel so happy while listening to your favourite piece of music. In turn, it also decreases the stress hormone cortisol in your blood, which helps you fight boredom as well.
Makes you feel at ease
When you listen to music, your blood flow increases and it tends to reach every part of the body quite easily. With oxygenated blood reaching all parts of your body, you feel energized, at peace and are able to feel fresh after listening to music.
Helps fight anxiety and depression
Needless to say, music boosts the dopamine secretion in blood – which in turn helps you battle anxiety and stress like never before. Since music is directly processed by the part of the brain that controls emotions and mood (amygdala), music has the potential to change your mood and even behaviour.
Successfully stimulates memories
Even though there is no clinical evidence, it has been observed that individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s have shown a positive response towards music – they have been able to fight off the symptoms and delay the worsening of the conditions with the help of music.
Helps fight pain
As music is able to help you go beyond stress, tap into your feelings and stay relaxed, it is an excellent pain suppressor – can help you stay motivated while recovering from trauma and even give you the necessary strength to hold on.
And there are even more to add to the list. Music is not just random notes and beats – but a harmonious synchronization that helps you tap your inner self and unlock your own true potential.
How has Music Therapy benefitted people around the world?
There are hundreds of thousands of examples where individuals suffering from terminal diseases have been able to improve their condition, elay symptoms and even recover with the help of natural remedial techniques, including Music Therapy.
Loved the movie Titanic? How can you forget the band of musicians playing jovial tunes even as the ship was about to sink and people were worried sick, trying to make desperate attempts to get off. However, the musicians kept on playing till the ship completely sank, and with their music, gave a lasting hope to all those who were listening, pushing their minds towards peace.
Music has been one of the biggest helpers when it comes to wars. Let us take World War I and even World War II for example – the community musicians used to play for free at hospitals and veteran homes. At first, they were met with criticism but when the hospital staff and doctors began noticing the difference and the spread of positive vibes, they themselves used to hire musicians to play in the premises. It not only helped the soldiers in thinking beyond pain, but also gave them the mental strength they needed to recover.
Currently, Music therapy is being individualized in its approach and is being used to help out kids, teens and even adults battling various health conditions. Be it terminal cancers, depressions, drug abuse or what not – music therapy is being tailored for different individuals and is helping people all over the world become better as even as you read this sentence.
So if you are ready to unlock your potential, feel the best you might have ever felt, we encourage you to dive into the miraculous powers of music therapy and give it a shot – you’ll surely love it!