by Eileen Swee Lian Goh

Created on: April 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The influence of music on health and behaviour has been noted since ancient times. In the early days of Greek civilization, Orpheus, Pythogoras, Plato and Aristotle were known to have observed and recorded the effects of music on the healing process, and in Greek mythology, Apollo is the god of both music and healing/medicine. In ancient Palestine, the story of how David ben Jesse soothed King Saul's melancholy by playing the harp can be found in the Torah, Bible and Quran.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC TO THE BODY AND PSYCHE

Music has been used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and psychiatric institutions to address a wide range of medical conditions and improve quality of life.

Although music therapy is a fledgling discipline and more research is required to evaluate its full potential, music has been observed to have significant effects on the neuropeptide system with consequential influence on the autonomic, endocrine and immune systems.

1. Effects on the brain.

Music has been found to:-

a) Influence brain activity.

Lively music stimulates alertness and concentration, while a slow tempo has a calming effect on brain activity.

b) Influence mood and emotions.

Music can trigger and maintain positive changes in mood and emotional states, resulting in decreased fear, anxiety, depression and stress.

c) Improve memory and cognition, thus enhancing learning and creativity.

d) Improve communication skills, thus promoting socialization.

2. Effects on the locomotor system.

Music can lessen muscle tension and improve co-ordination.

3. Effects on the sensory system.

Music can help to alleviate pain, and has been used to assist in anaesthesia as well as labor and delivery. Music can promote awareness and responsiveness to environmental stimulations.

4. Effects on the cardiovascular/circulatory system.

Music can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, thus decreasing the risks of stroke and heart disease. In this respect, the music of Bach, Bizet, Debussy, Mozart, Vivaldi, Cat Stevens, John Denver and Nat King Cole has been found to be particularly effective.

5. Effects on the respiratory system.

Music can lower the respiratory rate and help to maintain it within healthy limits. The relaxation response associated with music has been found to be useful in the management of asthmatic patients.

6. Effects on the immune system.

Music can enhance the immune response to stress and illness.

7. Effects on the gastrointestinal system.

Music can aid the digestive process.

INCORPORATING MUSIC IN

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