Music is known for its magical ability to uplift our emotion. When people sought comfort, they often find relaxing places and listen to music. Music could really affect us emotionally. Studies show that listening music could really have an effect on the inner working of our brain. As a result, we will have specific physical response. It means that music isn’t only known for entertainment value, but also as a healing power. Therapists have been advocating proper uses of music, for both study and listening. This will allow us to reduce stress and anxiety. Some doctors are offering music therapy in nursing homes and hospitals to make patients feel better.
People who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and stroke could actually respond very well when they listen to music. People who experience head injuries and dementia could also improve better when they listen to music regularly. In fact, cancer patients who play musical instruments for at least one hour everyday could get strengthened immune system, allowing them to fight cancer cells better. Music therapy that is attended by patients, caregivers and families can help to establish emotional intimacy between them. This is certainly a meaningful time that people can spend together.
There are specific brain structures that can be stimulated by continuous exposure to music. The same responses can be triggered by sexual activities and delicious food. In this case, we should learn more about music appreciation and it would be clear that music is more than just about entertainment values. While drive for sex and appreciation of food are essential for the survival of our species, music may not seem essential for our survival purposes. However, music could still activate specific parts of our brain and we will become happier. This would benefit us mentally and physically.
Negative feelings should be reduced when they are exposed to acoustic therapy. Fearful feelings before a potentially stressful event, such as business presentation can be reduced when we listen to soothing music about 15 minutes. Music is a great way to entertain and relax ourselves. Depression, distress and fear can be reduced significantly, depending on our musical preferences. Music should be assisted with various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, slow body movements and others. It is considered as a non-invasive and non-threatening way to use music for our physical benefits.
Music is able to help us reduce stress level, by lowering blood pressure and allowing our body to relax. Our body vibrations can be effectively synchronized depending on our situations. People who suffer from anxiety symptoms could find that their racing thoughts and heartbeat can be slowed down significantly. Changes on our hormonal levels after listening to music could also be quantified. There’s strong evidence that music is able to lower the cortisol level in our body and the substance is often associated with stress. Music could also raise the melatonin level, allowing us to relax better. Eventually, endorphins will be released and it is our body’s own natural painkiller.