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Music as Medicine: The Science of  an Art Form

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The world is facing unprecedented circumstances and we, as a society, are facing an increasing number of emotional, spiritual, and mental challenges as we learn to adapt to this new normal. Fear of the unknown, bereavement, and isolation has taken a toll on us, and even more so on the men and women on the frontline. Healthcare workers, first responders, food and sanitation workers laboured through the 2020 global pandemic, some at great personal risk, while mothers became teachers overnight. The essential work-life balance ceased to exist as “work from home” mandates blurred the lines. It is not at all surprising that our emotional and spiritual health needs recovery.

A legend in the field of entertainment, Sir Elton John has often said  “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

The idea that music has a healing and nurturing effect on human beings is not a novel one.

Physicians have always associated isolation as a factor for cardiac disease, linking emotional state to a physical state. And, Robert Browning said “ “He who hears music feels his solitude peopled all at once.”

Psychologists have advised that expressing emotions is healthy for both the body and the mind. And Tolstoy said, “Music is the shorthand of emotion.”

Music is often called a universal language because it’s such a foundational part of our world and our history, that we can’t help but relate and react strongly to it. It’s ability to both relax and excite our thoughts is unique and has been proven time and again, through various research studies, establishing a symbiotic relationship between science and art.

There is a growing field in healthcare “music therapy” which is exploring the benefits of music on human health and psyche. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) certify and provide trained music therapists for community and patient needs.

The hypothesis of this therapy is based on the fact that listening to music has the capacity to initiate many cognitive processes in the brain. So, it might be concluded that music also then influences stress-related cognitive as well as physiological responses, leading to anxiety as a way to adapt to the triggering factors.  Researchers have noticed increased coping abilities and perceived levels of relaxation in individuals who listened to soft and soothing music during or after a stress-inducing situation.

The Theories Behind the Therapy

 Brain Waves: Music with a strong beat tends to resonate brainwave patterns that are in sync with that beat. Researchers speculate that music helps to fire up nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for higher learning and analysis. It stimulates the release of neuro-chemicals that regulate the pleasure and reward centres of our brain, like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. It also decreases the release of stress hormones like cortisol, thereby regulating the human mind’s response to stress. In addition, some forms of music act as an exercise that warms up selected brain cells, allowing them to process information more efficiently. So while fast beats bring sharper concentration, in contrast, a slow beat would bring about a calm, meditative state.

3. Breathing, heart rates, and lowered blood pressure: Slow music leads to a corresponding decrease in respiratory and cardiac activity, as part of the relaxation response. A decrease in blood pressure also brings massive physical health benefits by reducing the chances of cardiac events or strokes.
4. State of mind: Uplifting sounds or songs with cathartic or positive lyrics can elevate moods and restore confidence. A 2017 research study concluded that listening to music, particularly classical combined with jazz, had a positive effect on depression symptoms, especially when conducted by board-certified music therapists.

The benefits of music therapy on terminal illnesses like cancer and in cases of children with ADHD (Attention Deficient Hypersensitivity Disorder) have been demonstrated in pain management, to ward off depression, to promote movement, to ease muscle tension, and to bring about a sense of calm.

Music plays such an important role in our daily lives, but it is integrated so seamlessly into our routines that we take advantage of its positive effects almost subconsciously. We know from experience that music can make a long drive go by faster, keep us motivated during a morning run, and take us right back to positive memories in our past, which can be a happiness booster and a stress reliever when we need it the most.

Imagine then the possibilities and the results we can achieve if we begin to mindfully apply the healing benefits of music, during stressful situations.

 Think of all the ways you can incorporate music into your daily schedule. A morning routine with the right soundtrack playing in the background can start the day on a positive note. Calming tunes during a long commute can quell road rage. Incorporating a song sequence while cooking, as well as ambient music while eating, makes the entire experience more enjoyable. Studies have shown that music can make you eat mindfully, digest better and enjoy your meal more. Known stress triggers like cleaning, doing chores, or paying bills can seem less tedious when done to your favourite beats.

We understand that navigating life in this day and age is sometimes an uphill climb, and we want to let you know that we are there to lend a helping hand in your journey towards mental, physical, and emotional wellness, through a holistic program that incorporates the proven benefits of music, wholesome nutrition, and exercise.