For generations, music has been considered the universal language, crossing borders, bringing people together, and stirring great emotion. In recent decades, this universal appeal has become a clinical tool termed music therapy, a field that uses the therapeutic powers of music to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Music therapy is a dynamic and evidence-based practice that holistically deals with the healing arts, offering benefits that range from mental health to physical rehabilitation.
Understanding Music Therapy
Music therapy focuses on music interventions in a structured and professional relationship to attain therapeutic ends. Certified music therapists work with individuals of all ages and tailor sessions to meet their needs. Techniques may involve simply listening to music, composing and performing, or music-based activities for relaxation, expression, or motor skills.
The Psychological Benefits
Perhaps one of the deepest influences of music therapy is its potential for positive change in mental health. For individuals with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, music can be a place of safety where they can express themselves and release pent-up feelings. The simple act of listening to soothing music reduces levels of cortisol, the body's stress hormone, while rhythmic drumming or songwriting may help patients work through overwhelming feelings. An example is Veterans who struggle to describe their experiences verbally. They can convey feelings through songwriting or guided improvisation in a non-verbal medium, thus facilitating emotional stability and healing.
Physical Rehabilitation
Music therapy is a vital tool for physical rehabilitation, too. Research shows rhythmic auditory stimulation helps stroke patients regain function or manage neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's by synchronizing movement to the rhythmic beat of music. Patients can relearn their motor skills, and improve gait and coordination through entrainment, which suggests a natural adjunct between rhythm and brain motor function.
References
Abshire, Blair. “Music Therapy Benefits People With Disabilities.” Evergreen Life Services, 14 Dec. 2020, evergreenls.org/music-therapy-benefits-people-with-disabilities.
Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Music Therapy.” Cleveland Clinic, 2 July 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy.
De Witte, Martina, et al. “Music therapy for stress reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Health Psychology Review, vol. 16, no. 1, Nov. 2020, pp. 134–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2020.1846580.
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