Most people may not know about the health benefits of music therapy which is now used in a holistic manner for many health concerns. Music therapy may even sound absurd or a waste of time to many.
Let’s define music therapy. 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.
“If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout,” says one Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist.
At its hub, music is sound, and sound is entrenched in vibration. Known as vibroacoustic therapy, the intervention involves using low-frequency sound — similar to a low rumble — to produce vibrations that are applied directly to the body. Led by Lee Bartel, Ph.D., a music professor at the University of Toronto, several researchers are exploring whether sound vibrations absorbed through the body can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, and depression.
Music therapy is effective in helping with stress, cancer, speech impediments, high blood pressure, heart concerns, mental disorders, and a number of health concerns. Music therapy is a holistic health approach to support the body’s natural healing abilities.
While there are many different ways to use music therapy, using music therapy for pain has shown good results. Music therapy can lower stress levels associated with chronic pain, improve comfort and manage pain for people of all ages–notably, the ability of rhythm to reduce pain among patients in cancer wards and nursing homes.
Health Benefits of Music Therapy
- elevates mood
- supports immune system health
- promotes more effortless movement for physical rehabilitation
- calming
- counteracts apprehension or fear
- lessens muscle tension for relaxation
- stimulates brainwaves
- can slow breathing and heart rates
- assists in relieving daily aches and pains
- improves cognitive performance
- facilitates relaxation
- boost for physical activity
- catharsis when dealing with emotional stress
- improves depression
- improves anxiety
- enhances communication skills in children with autism
- shown to reduce anxiety in patients receiving radiation therapy
- eases nausea and vomiting resulting from high-dose chemotherapy
- increases the body’s production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells — the cells that attack invading viruses
- reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol
- can help soothe pediatric emergency room patients
- improves sleep quality
- allows people to eat less
- eases migraine symptoms
- eases PMS symptoms
As a 20-year former private piano teacher and a 15+ year stage 3 cancer survivor, I can personally attest to the many health benefits of music therapy. I have witnessed the calming ability of music and the power of music to lift one’s spirit and emotional situation. Music can literally soothe our innermost being and calm the constant chatter of the mind. And these benefits of music therapy have no age barrier – from tiny babies to senior adults – music therapy can be very beneficial.
To find a music therapist in your area, contact the American Music Therapy Association at 301-589-3300 or the organization’s website at https://www.musictherapy.org/about/find/.
References and Resources
Tan, X., Yowler, C.J., Super, D.M. & Fratianne, R.B. (2010). The efficacy of music therapy protocols for decreasing pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels during burn dressing changes: a prospective randomized crossover trial. J Burn Care Res., 31(4):590-7.
Magill, L. & Berenson, S. (2008). The conjoint use of music therapy and reflexology with hospitalized advanced stage cancer patients and their families. Palliat Support Care. 6(3):289-96.
Siedliecki, S.L. & Good, M. (2006). Effect of music on power, pain, depression and disability. J Adv Nurs. 54(5):553-62.
Bradt J, Dileo C. “Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 15;(2):CD006577.
Chang MY, Chen CH, Huang KF. “Effects of music therapy on psychological health of women during pregnancy.” J Clin Nurs. 2008 17(19):2580-7.
Ezzone S, Baker C, Rosselet R, Terepka E. Music as an adjunct to antiemetic therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum. 1998;25:1551-1556.
Gold C, Wigram T, Elefant C. “Music therapy for autistic spectrum disorder.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 19;(2):CD004381.
Maratos AS, Gold C, Wang X, Crawford MJ. “Music therapy for depression.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 23;(1):CD004517.
Smith M, Casey L, Johnson D, Gwede C, Riggin OZ. “Music as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety in patients receiving radiation therapy.” Oncol Nurs Forum. 2001 28(5):855-62.
Gangrade, A. (2012) The effect of music on the production of neurotransmitters, hormones, cytokines, and peptides: a review.
Harmat, L., Takacs, J., and Bodizs, R. Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Music improves sleep quality in students. 2008 May;62(3):327-35.
Drazen, DL and Woods, SC. Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio. Peripheral signals in the control of satiety and hunger. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 2003 Nov;6(6):621-9.
Huang, TL and Charyton, C. Transparent Corporation, Columbus, Ohio. A comprehensive review of the psychological effects of brainwave entrainment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2008 Sep-Oct;14(5):38-50.
Angel, LA, Poizella, DJ, Elvers, GC. Background music and cognitive performance. University of Dayton, USA. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2010 Jun;110(3 Pt 2):1059-64.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
