MUSIC
Therapy
Not only does music help one relax, it is said to activate
certain parts of your brain which are otherwise not in
use. Using this very phenomenon, researchers have
come with an alternate form of healing known as music
therapy. It basically involves using music in medicine
to help patients deal with pain, depression and other
psychological factors. It is said that music promotes
recovery. Music is considered to be an outlet for emotions
and music therapy is very popular in the United States.
This is also catching up in India wherein institutes like
Sur Sanjeevan Music Therapy Trust in Mumbai spreading
the benefits of music therapy widely.
According to the American Music Therapy Association,
“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of
music interventions to accomplish individualized goals
within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed
42
The
Score Magazine
www.thescoremagazine.com
professional who has completed an approved music
therapy program.”
Music has often been used as a form of therapy for
emotional or psychological issues. Using it to treat
physical ailments is a new phenomenon catching up in
the world now as an alternative form of treatment. Music
therapy uses songs, instrumental music, frequencies,
rhythm and even vibrations to aid the healing process.
A number of new studies are coming out enlisting the
correlation of music and mental and physical health.
According to a study in Trends in Cognitive Sciences,
April, 2013, it was found that music helps in improving
the immune system functions and reduces stress as well.
It has also been proven to reduce anxiety better than
prescription medicines as it reduces levels of the stress
hormone cortisol and hence music is also associated with
relaxation.