April is National Jazz Appreciation Month, and this blog is an introduction to music therapy and how it helps with various mental and physical health issues.
How does music affect our brains?
Music activates several areas of the brain that work together during music processing. Therefore, the brain responses are mainly dependent on musical experience. Studies have shown that brain responses are dependent upon musical exposure. People who listen to lots of music show different patterns of brain activity than those who haven’t had much musical exposure. Music is fundamentally crucial for shaping our moods, memories, and thoughts.
The Basics of Music Therapy
Music therapy has different meanings for different people. For some, it means learning an instrument or practicing a song in a music lesson. For others, it refers to getting involved with their local symphony orchestra or band program.
However, for people who are in music therapy training programs, it refers to making and performing music. The individuals listen and play musical instruments during their mental health therapy sessions.
Benefits of Treatment with Music
People with physical, mental, or emotional health issues often use music therapy coupled with other treatment modalities. Including music in a patient’s treatment plan has been proven to help them deal with their conditions much better than they would have without it. Research shows that music therapy is used for individuals who suffer from the following: autism, Alzheimer’s, brain injuries, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and even addiction. Additionally, it can help people develop cognitive skills, manage pain, and improve their quality of life and self-esteem.
De-stress
Try listening to music for a few minutes when you’re stressed. You will not even notice how much time has passed if you listen to your favorite songs while doing something else—like cleaning or exercising.
The Right Music
Jazz is the right music for me. When I listen to jazz, my negative feelings flow out of my mind. My mind and body relax, and I am no longer focused on my problems. Please take a look at my blog on Examples of Selfcare.