Benefits of Music Therapy

Music Appreciation 1100 C

3 May 2013

Therapeutic Benefits of Music

Music plays an important role in everyday life for many people. Alarm clocks around the world are set to awaken their owners with their favorite tunes. Commuters on their way to and from work play tunes to make their rides more bearable. Athletes, runners, and gym-goers play music to help them pick up the pace. At the end of the day, many can be found listening to music to help them unwind from the day’s events. After a break up, the heart broken can be found self-medicating with music to help them through the pain. One can hear music in just about every setting or situation he or she encounters: the grocery store; the elevator; on hold on a telephone call; a sports event; a wedding; a funeral - the list could go on forever. I cannot think of a single aspect in life that does not include music. So, why would it not stand to reason that music would be important to our physical health and well being?

Music has been used for medical purposes since the beginning of time. Ancient Greeks believed music could heal the body and the soul. Native Americans used chants and songs in their healing rituals. After World War II, music was used to treat veterans suffering from shell shock. Over the years, music has been proven to reduce anxiety, steady heartbeat, improve mood, relieve pain, and help with insomnia. Some studies have also found that after a person is exposed to music, his or her brain waves increase, blood circulation improves, and production of stress hormones decreases. These findings have led doctors and therapists to begin using music as treatment for many patients. The world’s first music therapy degree program was born in 1944 at Michigan State University. Music therapy is the use of music to induce relaxation, promote healing, enhance mental function, and create an overall sense of well-being. Music therapy is now an established health service comparable to...