The healing power of music has been recognized since the times of ancient Greece and ancient China. Today, clinical studies and systematic reviews affirm these ancient insights, highlighting music's profound impact on the body and mind. Let's explore how music therapy is being used to treat various conditions and the science behind its effectiveness.
How Music Heals: The Science Behind the Magic
According to scientific research, music affects the body in at least two primary ways, though there may be more factors at play. One way is through the mind-body connection, and the other is through the physical effect of sound waves. When you move your body to music, you engage in one of the most effective mind-body exercises known to science.
Music for Dementia, Parkinson’s, and Cancer
The inseparability of mind and body means that physical exercise can be a potent treatment for depression, while chronic stress contributes to many diseases. Dementia has been a significant focus of studies, with hundreds conducted in the last decade. Reviews of these studies reveal some intriguing findings:
Improved Verbal Fluency and Emotional Relief: One review found that music therapy was linked to improved verbal fluency and substantial relief from depression and anxiety.
Behavioral Improvements: Another review observed improved overall behavior in dementia patients.
Mixed Cognitive Benefits: A third review indicated that music therapy might improve cognitive function, though the evidence was mixed.
Notably, Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist and professor at Columbia University, documented in his book "Musicophilia" how music can even restore expressive language in patients with aphasia following a stroke.
Music's Impact on Premature Babies, Cancer, and Chronic Conditions
The American Psychological Association has highlighted music's ability to soothe heart rates and stress levels in premature babies, reduce stress, and help treat pain. This latter point is particularly beneficial for those suffering from chronic conditions like cancer. Studies have found that sound therapy can help soothe cancer patients, reduce inflammation, and ease the side effects of cancer treatment.
In some cases, researchers have tested specific sound frequencies rather than music. For instance:
Fibromyalgia Relief: One study found that low-frequency sound stimulation helped 26% of fibromyalgia patients discontinue their medication after treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease: Another study discovered that acoustic-based interventions could help Parkinson’s patients counteract the loss of motor function and improve their ability to walk.
Vibroacoustic therapy has emerged as its own therapeutic modality, with studies examining its effects on conditions ranging from COVID-19 to cerebral palsy.
The Power of Combining Music with Movement and Social Connection
Combining music with movement and social interaction creates an especially potent therapeutic tool. A systematic review published in The BMJ found that dance was a more effective treatment for depression than common antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of exercise.
Personal Reflections on Music
I use music to maintain my concentration during work. Not all music helps, but gentle and classical music that isn’t too stimulating works best for me. Classical music, in particular, seems to nourish the brain, an effect popularly known as “The Mozart Effect.”
However, I suspect more people use music for negative ends rather than positive. As a teenager, I would blast angry music to match my mood, letting myself rage. Sad and angry music, or music that inflates egotistic or lustful feelings, is quite common and might be problematic.
Researchers have found that different types of music can have different effects. A small study published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback in 2007 found that while classical music could calm anxiety, anger, and stress, heavy metal could not. Music, much like food, can nourish us or leave us more troubled.
The science behind music therapy is robust and growing, offering hope for many suffering from various conditions. Whether through the mind-body connection, the physical effects of sound waves, or the powerful combination of music with movement and social interaction, music holds a unique place in the therapeutic landscape. As research continues, we may uncover even more ways that music can heal and transform lives.
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