Music therapy and its benefits for health
Music affects the brain and also the body , since it activates certain brain areas related to mood and mood.
What is Music Therapy?
The Music therapy it is a therapy that uses music to improve the state of health and well-being of the patient. Stimulating the mind is essential since it is the operational center where all the sensations and emotions that human beings perceive and express are processed, understood and brought together.
Music is a sensory experience that can activate all brain areas simultaneously . Therefore, it is useful in therapy because it triggers the functioning of the brain in the emotional, cognitive and physical sense. With the new research that has emerged on Music Therapy, it has been shown to be useful both in rehabilitation, education and in programs to improve well-being.
This type of therapy is effective to treat certain disorders or improve the quality of life of the patient, and acts in two ways: active (playing instruments, singing, interpreting the music) and receptive (use music to induce relaxation states). Other techniques and artistic forms are also used simultaneously with music, such as dramatic art, dance or painting.
How does Music Therapy work?
The Music Therapist works on different aspects of the person, such as:
- Sensory aspects : working on the ability to respond to sensory stimuli received.
- Motor aspects : the coordination, balance and mobility of the patient.
- Cognitive aspects : memory, learning, imagination or attention.
- Socio-emotional aspects : works intelligence and control of emotions, as well as emotional expression or self-knowledge of one's own emotions.
Music Therapy Utilities
Since music is an accessible and attractive stimulus, it has a great influence on patients and they receive therapy in a pleasant way. The professionals of Music Therapy select and apply music in a way that provides psychological and physical benefits .
This type of therapy works perfectly to solve psychological problems, rehabilitate drug addicts, reduce pain in terminal diseases, improve self-esteem, or treat learning difficulties.
7 reasons why to use Music Therapy
- Music is a basic function of our brain . At early ages mothers often calm their children with "nanas" (lullabies). This shows that the brains of young children already tolerate music and its benefits very well.
- Music entertains our body . Our body is entertained with music in a natural way, and it is easy to perform rhythmic movements. When we listen to music, it enters our brain to process it, but it also has an effect on our motor system. That's why music therapists use this tool to help people who have had a stroke to regain mobility.
- We have physiological reactions when we listen to music . Whenever breathing is accelerated, the heart rate increases and one feels that the music travels along the spine. Music therapy can help stimulate a person who is in a coma or can help a conscious person relax.
- Babies and children respond to music . Any parent will know that at early ages it is natural for children and babies to respond to musical stimuli. From small they dance and enjoy the musical sounds. On the other hand, children learn easily through art and music, making it a great educational tool.
- Music penetrates emotions . Since music stimulates the amygdala, it can make you feel sad, happy, energetic, motivated, and so on. The way music accesses emotions is very useful for music therapists.
- Music helps improve learning. Many teachers of children use methods such as learning the alphabet or colors through songs. Music is effective to memorize and to evoke past memories.
- Music therapy is a non-invasive and motivating therapy . We all like music, and this is one of the most important reasons why Music Therapy works.
