| | | | | Thus the research proves that playing songs of both |
| Music speaks to all of us. Be it an A R Rahman or | | | | fast as well as slow rthym with pauses, has a deep |
| Beethoven or Indian Classical music that does it for | | | | impact on the respiration and the pulse rate, which |
| you. However different our tastes we all agree to | | | | can be especially helpful for those with heart disease |
| the wonderful effect that music has on our lives. | | | | and Stroke. |
| There is an anonymous quote which says "Music is | | | | Effect On mind |
| how feelings sound like" and it is so true; whatever | | | | We feel fresher, energized when we listen to the |
| be our mood, there is some music that echoes our | | | | happy songs; this is the most apparent effect of |
| sentiment often reflects the sentiment better than | | | | music on our mind. The scientific reason for this is |
| we could ever hope to do. | | | | the endorphins or the feel good hormones that are |
| We all realize that the therapeutic effect that music | | | | released in the brain when we listen to music that |
| has as and how even the stresses of everyday life | | | | changes our mood and make it better. Along with |
| seem to dissolve away when we listen to our | | | | positively impacting the mood, music also stimulates |
| favorite songs. This therapeutic power of music is | | | | the brain and helps Alzheimer patients, even when |
| used as a healing aid in the form of Music therapy | | | | other therapies fail. This is because music which is |
| which is proving to be an immense help for all kind of | | | | the combination of rhythm, melody, pitch and tone |
| ailments from Autism to Alzheimer's to Heart patient | | | | along with words or language stimulates both the |
| to Depression patients. | | | | hemispheres of the brain strengthening the pathways |
| How does Music heal? | | | | between them. |
| There is no exact science, which points to what | | | | Other benefits |
| exactly happens when we listen to music, but there | | | | Music is found to help in pain management, such as in |
| is research on the effects of music on the body. | | | | dental procedures as well as in labor pains; it is useful |
| Reduces stress | | | | in developing communication skills in children with |
| You have always de-stressed listening to the songs | | | | developmental delays. Music gives a form of |
| of Kishore Kumar or some favorite instrumentals of | | | | expression to those with mental disorders and helps |
| your choice. Now research just proves all over again, | | | | them learn important skills; it helps schizophrenic and |
| that music helps us de-stress! Research by three | | | | autistic people to come out of their shell and interact |
| American scientists proved the positive effect of | | | | with the outside world. |
| music in dealing with stress; they tested two groups | | | | Now, what is Music therapy? |
| of individuals that were going to be operated upon. | | | | Music therapy can be explained as scientific application |
| One group had the choice of listening to a soothing | | | | of music to achieve therapeutic aims. Music |
| song of their choice while another group did not listen | | | | Therapists are professionals who have trained in |
| to any music. | | | | music as well as in behavioral therapies. They are |
| The tests found that the stress hormone – | | | | professionals, who learn about different mental and |
| Cortisol levels in the first group dropped to 50% | | | | physical ailments and ways to help people with it by |
| compared to those of the group that did not listen | | | | incorporating music in the treatment. |
| to music. | | | | Music therapists generally work in hospitals, schools, |
| Positive effect on Heart rate and Breathing | | | | rehabilitation centers, Cancer wards and Senior citizen |
| Have you felt yourself getting perked up with, fast | | | | homes. |
| up beat music and calming down when slow numbers | | | | Music therapy works in both an active and a passive |
| are played? | | | | manner. In active music therapy, the person who is |
| A research by Dr Peter Sleight from University of | | | | receiving the therapy is also involved in the process |
| Oxford reported that music can bring different levels | | | | by either singing along, playing an instrumental or |
| of arousal witin an individual, with the heart rate and | | | | dancing along the music. Music Therapy is suitable for |
| the breathing changing as per as the complexity and | | | | those who have difficulty expressing their emotions |
| the tempo of the music. The surprising part of the | | | | as well as for those with Alzheimer's and other |
| findings was that pauses between the music led to | | | | degenerative disorders, as it helps to increase their |
| a deeper state of relaxtion than what was felt when | | | | body co-ordination. |
| the music was played! | | | | |