Sound therapy involves using sound waves to heal the body and mind.
Such sounds are not what we traditionally think of as music but usually continuous tones created by drums, gongs or more modern ultrasonic machines. The theory behind sound therapy is that all of our bodies’ cells vibrate at a natural frequency. These frequencies can become misaligned or otherwise changed through illness or physical stress.
By subjecting the body, or part of the body, to a sound at a particular frequency such problems can be improved. An example is playing back a recording of a particular sound at a predetermined and constant frequency to treat muscular aches and pains, which may have been caused by stress.
Some people claim that sound therapy works well for them, while others remain more skeptical. Regardless of the effectiveness of sound therapy there is little doubt that music can affect us and can be used effectively to aid relaxation and stress relief.
Purpose of the Present Study
The purpose of this study is to systematically collect practice-based knowledge on both the most efficient music therapy interventions, such as therapeutic methods or exercises, and elements of those interventions, such as musical techniques, used by music therapists to reduce stress in patients with MID. This information may contribute to the body of knowledge on how music therapists lower the stress levels of their patients with MID during music therapy sessions. To be more specific, we wanted to know which interventions both within and outside of the music are used by the music therapists to lower the patients’ stress levels, and which factors may influence the choice of the applied intervention(s).
Therapy Goals for Stress Reduction
Three types of therapeutic goals were mentioned by the music therapists related to stress reduction in adults with MID: synchronizing with the patient (as a starting point for stress reduction), releasing stress or tension (by self-expression), and stimulating relaxation. The music therapists stated that in general these goals do not stand alone but are used in succession of or in combination with each other. This means that the goal of achieving synchronization with the patient within the music can be seen as a sub goal, and often precedes working on the goals related to the release of tension or direct relaxation.
It’s heart healthy. Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood.
It elevates mood. Music can boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine. This increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Music is processed directly by the amygdala, which is the part of the brain involved in mood and emotions.
It reduces stress. Research has found that listening to music can relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers.
It relieves symptoms of depression. When you’re feeling down in the dumps, music can help pick you up - much like exercise.
It stimulates memories. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia but music therapy has been shown to relieve some of its symptoms. Music therapy can relax an agitated patient, improve the mood and open communication in patients.
It manages pain. By reducing stress levels and providing a strong competing stimulus to the pain signals that enter the brain, music therapy can assist in pain management.
It eases pain. Music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain, especially in geriatric care, intensive care or palliative medicine.
It helps people eat less. Playing soft music in the background (and dimming the lights) during a meal can help people slow down while eating and ultimately consume less food in one sitting.
It increases workout endurance. Listening to those top workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.
How do you use music to improve your well-being or the well-being of a loved one?
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