Music therapy, the side of the music you did not know

Published: 03/20/2013 - Updated: 07/04/2016

How many times do we have play a song we like in our player to feel better? Well, actually there is a therapy that uses music for healing and treatment of certain diseases.

Music therapy is the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and wellness. People of any age can benefit from music therapy program, regardless whether they are musicians.

There are many different approaches to applying this therapy; it may be, from the simple act of listening to music, talking about music or something more complex like creating music.

How can music help?

The music is a regular part of life for us all. We are constantly exposed to music, radio, television, mp3, etc. Specifically, it is a constant part of our lives and can intervene in the emotional state of a person.

This therapy can improve learning, build self-esteem of the person, reduce stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other health-related activities.

Music therapy is used with people of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including: psychiatric disorders, health problems, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging.

Music against depression

Music therapy can help some patients fight depression, according to a study published in 2008. The study showed that patients receiving such therapy were less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who did not receive music therapy.

Music and stress

Music may be able to reduce the stress of everyday life; people receiving music therapy not only combat stress and anxiety but also depression. Many therapists recommend listening to soft music at least twice a day for 15 days to reduce stress.

The musical melody to fight autism

Music therapy can help improve the communication skills of children with ASD, however, more studies are still needed to test if the effects of music therapy against this type of disorder are durable, what is certain is that while receiving therapy, the affected kids show improvement.

Benefits of music in the treatment of cancer

Research shows that music therapy can offer a number of benefits for people facing cancer, as it helps to reduce stress and thus relieves symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that result of chemotherapy, making treatment more bearable.

Although music therapy is often used to promote mental and emotional health, take into account that anyone can benefit from it, because we can combat stress and anxiety that affects us so much today, and helps improve quality of life for people facing debilitating diseases.

What you can expect from a session

As previously mentioned, music therapy may include various forms, from classical music, making music, playing music, writing songs, and so on. The aim is to promote the patient's emotional expression, and therefore, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and quality of life.

It is important to emphasize that customers do not necessarily have to be musicians, or have had previous musical training to enjoy the benefits of this therapy. Music therapists believe that all people, regardless of age or musical training, have a basic capacity for speech and music appreciation.

About the author
  • Miriam Reyes

    Miriam Reyes is a professional expert in nutrition and dietetics. She has more than 12 years of experience in caring for patients with overweight and eating problems. She studied at the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA), where she obtained a degree in nutrition. Linkedin profile.