Healing Powers of Music

Music plays an important role in healing, helping, and improving the body both mentally and physically. It has been used to treat many conditions and ailments with much success. Music just might be what the doctor ordered.

Stress, Relaxation, and Sleep

• Whether it is the soft and soothing sounds of classical or nature's music, or the fast beats of a rock band, music can help lessen the effects of stress and help with relaxation. Music can wake you up or help you fall asleep.

Pain Management

• Music is used in conjunction with pain management and helps patients take the focus off the pain. Hospitals and dentists use music along with anesthesia, as music also has a sedative effect.

Active Participation

• Music therapy often involves drumming, strumming, and tapping. These movements help a person release conflict and inner stresses. It is a form a self-expression and helps overcome shyness.

Premature Babies

• Kristen Stewart, a music therapist at Beth Israel Hospital in New York, practices the use of soft beating drums with premature babies. The soothing beats mimic a mother's heartbeat and helps the preemies sleep, which is essential for growth in these little ones.

Physical Exercise

• Music helps a person exercise longer and harder. When used in physical therapy and rehab, it can take the focus off of underlying aches, pains, and fear.

Benefits

• Music therapy has been successfully used for Alzheimer's patients, children with learning disabilities, in drug addiction programs, mental institutions, schools, halfway houses, and hospices.