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In Harmony With Health: The Healing Power Of Music

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The healing powers of music which have been acknowledged by poets for centuries have gained significant credibility in recent years as music therapy has found its way into mainstream medicine. Researchers have confirmed that, in addition to being a powerful relaxation tool, music has the power to lower blood pressure and heart rate, change stress hormone levels, reduce muscle tension, increase endorphin levels and boost the immune system.

During the past decade hospitals around the world have added music therapy to their treatment protocols. As a result, many major insurance companies now include music therapy in their list of covered services. Hospitals use music to calm patients, control pain, alleviate depression and relax muscles. This type of therapy can also bring comfort to terminally ill patients and help improve behavioral patterns in children struggling with autism, ADD and other developmental disabilities.

Music therapy can promote healing after surgery and many women use relaxing music as an aid during labor and delivery. Studies also show that music can help premature babies gain weight faster and can improve their respiratory function. Migraine sufferers can be trained to use music and guided imagery to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of their headaches. Music therapy is often used in conjunction with other drug-free treatments such as magnetic field therapy, massage, hypnosis and acupuncture.

In the clinical setting, music therapists usually function as part of a team comprised of doctors, social workers, psychologists and other licensed caregivers. The therapist, who is trained to anticipate how certain types of music can affect the body’s physical responses, initiates structured activities that may include singing, playing instruments, composition or listening. Because each individual is unique, a specialized treatment plan is developed for every patient.

Music therapists understand the scientific explanations for music’s role in pain control. Music is processed along the same neural pathways as pain messages. If a patient is involved in processing music, the neural pathways are distracted so the pain signals are less evident.

Many stroke victims who cannot put words together to form a coherent sentence can communicate beautifully through song. Because of its capacity to reorganize brain function that has been damaged, music therapy is also useful in treating patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Bear in mind that music therapy does have to be confined to a clinical setting. There is no doubt that taking a break from a hectic lifestyle to recharge with music is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body, mind and spirit. Harness the healing power of music to make a positive difference in your life.