What is Therapeutic Music?
Therapeutic music addresses the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs of individuals to create a healing atmosphere. Scientific research has shown music can have significant physiological and psychological effects including:
- stabilized heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates
- positive influence on protective cells of the immune system which can lead to a state of deep relaxation, and can increase endorphin production
- increased salivary immunoglobulin, which speeds healing
- decrease in stress hormone levels
- positive impact on focus and attention
- positive impact on mental health, including increased relaxation and mood regulation, reduction in stress hormone levels and depression
- improved communication, social skills and problem solving skills
Music's Impact on the Brain
Music has a strong impact on our brain. The brain's response to music involves complex neural networks that are activated during listening, performing, and creating music.
Research in neuroscience has shown that music can influence brain chemistry by releasing dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Functional MRI studies have demonstrated that music engages areas of the brain involved in attention, memory, and motor control.
These biochemical responses help to explain the therapeutic effects of music therapy on mood regulation, stress reduction and physical health.