Music therapy is used to aid in physical discomfort by improving respiration, lowering blood pressure, improved cardiac output, reduced heart rate and relaxed muscle tension. For mental health, this form of therapy is great for reducing stress’ common negative side effects, such as emotional and behavioral problems.

Listening to music was also found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery (Trends in Cognitive Sciences, April, 2013). … Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. “This is one reason why music is associated with relaxation,”

The ability to affect your emotions is one reason why music therapy was first used in a medical setting. … Science has proven that music releases mood enhancing chemicals into our body which music therapists can capitalize on to aid in the medical treatment of patients.

Dr. Sucheita shares the six major health benefits of music therapy:

1. Music therapy reduces anxiety and physical effects of stress
2. It improves healing
3. It can help manage Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
4. Music therapy reduces depression and other symptoms in the elderly
5. It helps to reduce symptoms of psychological disorders including schizophrenia
6. Music therapy improves self-expression and communication