Table of contents
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a form of psychotherapy where listening to or reacting to music heals emotional disorders. It involves playing instruments, singing, dancing, or just listening to music. It is a research-backed practice of harnessing a person’s reactions and connections to music to promote beneficial changes in mood and general well-being.
Music therapy is an emerging field with many benefits. It is a proven treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. We tend to think of music as a form of entertainment, but it can be so much more than that. Please read the full article to understand how it works and how you can benefit from it.
Benefits of Music Therapy
One of the most important benefits of music therapy is that it can help people to express themselves. For many people, music is a way to communicate when words fail them. Music helps to explore emotions and release pent-up feelings.
This kind of psychotherapy can boost self-esteem and confidence. It can help people to feel good about themselves and their abilities, which is essential for those dealing with physical or mental health issues.
It can also help to improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that it can help to improve memory, attention, and even IQ scores. That is likely because music activates multiple areas of the brain at once.
Finally, music therapy can help as a way to relax and de-stress. It can help to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels. That makes it an excellent tool for managing anxiety and stress.
How it helps with Anxiety and Depression
Many studies have shown that music therapy reduces anxiety and depression. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), it has profound effects. People who get music therapy in conjunction with standard treatments show more significant improvement than those who get only definitive treatment. Many reports suggest this therapy decreases intrusive thoughts, depression, and anxiety when used alongside other forms of treatment.
Music helps relieve anxiety and depression in adults and children before and during a medical procedure. Listening to music releases dopamine, a hormone that makes people feel good, and endorphins, hormones that induce happy emotions and alleviate pain.
Music therapy also copes with social anxiety. Social anxiety is not the same as being introverted or having a shy personality. It is much more influential, and it harms your health. Music influences the stress hormones released by the body, such as adrenaline and cortisol, and lowering these chemicals assists in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Therapists worldwide use Music Applications to assist patients of all ages. It has proven to relieve stress or anxiety, cope with trauma, and treat other mental health concerns.
3 Techniques of Music Therapy
1. Drumming
Drumming is an ancient healing art that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and healing. Drums are resourceful instruments used for various therapeutic purposes, including stress relief, meditation, and healing.
When used in therapy, drums help patients relax and de-stress. They also promote positive moods and feelings of well-being. In addition, drums can be used to help patients focus and concentrate.
The therapeutic effects of drumming are due to the rhythmic and repetitive nature of the music. When played correctly, drums can help to promote a sense of calm and peace. They can also help to stimulate the mind and increase cognitive function.
2. Singing
Singing is the most basic form of Music therapy. There is growing evidence that singing can effectively intervene in various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A recent study found singing to be as effective as medication in treating anxiety in adults.
The benefits of singing are multi-faceted. First and foremost, singing is a physically and emotionally soothing activity that can help individuals relax. Additionally, singing can help individuals develop positive self-images by encouraging them to express themselves creatively. Finally, singing therapy can help individuals cope with stress healthily.
Singing is beneficial not just for adults; children can also benefit from it. Singing can help children with anxiety and depression. Additionally, singing therapy can help children develop social skills and self-confidence.
3. Vibro-Acoustic Therapy
Vibro-acoustic therapy (VAT) is a type of acoustic therapy that uses vibration to treat various conditions. It is a scientific method of merging low-frequency vibrations with slow-paced music resonations. According to the International Society of VAT, sound waves aid in circulating good energy throughout the body. It stimulates the body to employ mending processes to soothe the mind and body. VAT is effective in reducing anxiety and stress. It is also effective in reducing pain symptoms in people with chronic pain.
Get started with Music Therapy.
If you’re interested and want to get started, here are some tips:
1. Talk to your doctor about music therapy; they can help you determine if it is a good choice. They may even recommend some music therapists.
2. Next, find a music therapist who is a good match for you. Ask for referrals from people you know who have succeeded with music therapy.
2. Find materials that are right for you. Some people choose to listen to music on their own. In contrast, others prefer therapy sessions in which the therapist plays music. There are many alternatives, so find what works best for you.
3. Finally, Get started! Start listening to music and see how it affects you. Attend a music therapy workshop or seminar. These events can give you the skills and knowledge you need to work therapeutically with music, and you might be amazed at how much they can help.
Read Next: 8 ways to make your life more productive – Lifestyle Management
Recommended Books
Purchasing from the links available on this page may entitle us to a small commission. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Music therapy is usually considered quite safe, with no known harmful effects. However, too loud or certain music forms may annoy or make specific individuals feel uneasy. The music may elicit powerful feelings or recall joyful and terrible memories.
Yes, research on music therapy has revealed numerous benefits. It has been scientifically proved that Music therapy can calm the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine, and the psychological stress response.
It is largely subjective to the patient; any music is good as long as the patient like it. Music therapy involves listening to recorded genres such as classical, rock, jazz, or country music.