THUNAISocieties have used the healing power of music over the ages, but really how does it work?.
For instance, we know that music can be relaxing and reduce anxiety and also ease chronic pain. Science has sought to understand the reasons for these effects for a while and in the recent 2 decades, much progress has been made.
These changes happen in part because of the impact music has on our pleasure center called Striatum. Music that we like causes a dopamine release, giving us pleasure and triggering our reward seeking behaviour. We may search for more such pleasure, moving away from saddening thoughts and behaviours.
Music also triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate, blood pressure. It may also act on the endocrine system (HPA axis) by bringing down cortisol levels. This is the relaxation response induced by music.
When we learn to play a new musical instrument, or try to learn a new song or rhythm, our brains reorganise or develop new neural pathways, also known as neuroplasticity. A good reason to teach your kids how to play at least one instrument. This may prove very beneficial when you are an adult.
Even just listening allows you to be “one with the music” and in the moment, giving you many of the benefits of meditation. There are a number of apps today that tap the potential of audio technology to put your brain into different, meditative, restful wave lengths. Again this is not new. Our temple bells, gongs and conches were played or sounded with a certain frequency to evoke a peaceful and calming response within our brains (Alpha and Theta states).
There is recent research on how listening to music improves neurodevelopment in the womb and in infants. Of course, we have always known that a mother singing lullabies to the child in her womb is calming for her and for the baby. Now, neuroimaging studies are showing it is neuroplastic too!
Music therapy is applying music in a structured way to your physical and mental health problems. A music therapist who has been specifically trained to understand what type of music works for you and your mental health, can design something specific for you. It is much more than the therapist “playing” the right songs for you.
Areas where music therapy is proven to be effective
1. Stroke rehabilitation – training other brain areas to pick up the work of damaged parts of the brain
2. Depression and anxiety, general stress management
3. Chronic Pain and fibromyalgia
4. Autism disorders
5. Alzeimers and dementia – memory losses
6. Children with mood disorders
Research also shows it can create social bonds and empathy. Singing together increases oxytocin levels - a marker of belonging and well being. This is particularly important for a trauma survivor or a depression sufferer. Join a music group today, there are many options available online and in-person.
Lastly, remember that sometimes music may also be a negative trigger. One may associate an unpleasant memory with a song or tune or type of music. A therapist would be able to help you navigate through these feelings and emotions and get the best out of the gift of music to humankind.
The way to good health, may be to have the right music for your ears!!