Music Therapy
Lissa Coffey
Music is a wonderful form of therapy, and has been used in healing in various cultures for centuries. Recent studies confirm that music can reduce pain and anxiety, and also improve blood pressure and breathing. It can also help infants in intensive care unites gain weight more quickly. A study published in the European Journal of Anesthesiology reported that postsurgical patients who listened to music required less pain medication. And another study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that listening to music for an hour a day reduced chronic pan by up to 21% and depression by up to 25%. How does this work? When we are in pain we can’t focus on opposing sensations at the same time. Listening to music blocks the perception of pain signals and can reduce anxiety, which can heighten the sensation of pain. What to do? When in pain, breathe deeply while listening to a favorite piece of relaxing music. See if your doctor will play calming music during painful procedures. And make music a regular part of your relaxation during the day. Pay attention to the melody, the rhythm, and the lyrics, and notice how your body becomes at ease.
Self-Healing with Sound and Music (Audio CD)