Improved Health Through Music

The ability of music to influence human emotions is well known. A variety of musical moods can be used to create feelings of calmness, tension, excitement, or romance. Lullabies have long been popular for soothing babies to sleep. Sometimes when we are happy, without realizing, we often sing or whistle. Some people can actually perform better at work when they listen to music. One of my friends always plays rock music during the deadline period. He said the music motivates him, while the same music actually drives my other friend nuts. Music can be beneficial for people in lots of situations. Music can be used to relax, reduce stress, and improve moods or to accompany exercise.

When asked about music therapy, most of us might not be too familiar with the concept. While music therapy has yet to gain wide acceptance through the whole world, a handful of in-the-know people realize its value.

Music therapy is a technique of complimentary medicine that uses music prescribed in a skilled manner by trained therapists. Programs are designed to help patients overcome physical, emotional, intellectual and social challenges.

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 therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on their needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song-writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation and follow up.

Music can be used therapeutically for people who have physical, emotional, social, or cognitive challenges. Music therapists help their patients achieve a number of goals through music, including improvement of communication, academic strengths, attention span and motor skills. They may also assist with behavioral therapy and pain management.

Learning to play an instrument is an excellent musical activity to develop motor skills in individuals with developmental delays, brain injuries or other motor impairment. Singing develops articulation, rhythm and breathing control. Remembering lyrics and melodies is an exercise in sequencing for stroke victims and others who may be intellectually impaired. Composition of words and music is one avenue available to assist a patient in working through fears and negative feelings. Listening is an excellent way to practice attending and remembering. It may also make the patient aware of memories and emotions that need to be acknowledged and perhaps talked about.

Using music in therapy can be a very powerful way to reach children, adolescents and adults in a therapeutic setting. Music in therapy can be powerful way to help people express their feelings. Creative therapy can reach people in ways that traditional therapy sometimes cannot.

Music is used to form a relationship with the patient. The music therapist sets goals on an individual basis, depending on the reasons for treatment, and selects specific activities and exercises to help the patient progress. Objectives may include development of communication, cognitive, motor, emotional or social skills. Some of the techniques used to achieve this are singing, listening, instrumental music, composition and creative movement. The primary aim is to improve the patient's ability to function.

Music can have physical effects. Brain function physically changes in response to music. Louder and faster noises tend to raise both the heart rate and blood pressure; slower, softer and more regular tones produce the opposite result. Music can also relieve muscle tension and improve motor skills. It is often used to help rebuild physical patterning skills in rehabilitation clinics.

Depending on the type and style of sound, music can either sharpen mental acuity or assist in relaxation. It can enhance memory and learning; indeed, this has been demonstrated with good results in children with learning disabilities. This effect may also be partially due to increased concentration that many people have while listening to music. Better productivity is another outcome of an improved ability to concentrate.