Stress Relief Through Music Therapy

We're told that in the western world today the majority of people suffer from some degree of stress or other. If this is so, no wonder finding solutions to stress is a growth industry. Thankfully, many of these solutions are highly effective, and none more so than music therapy. Stress relief in both adults and children - even in some pets! - has been greatly enhanced by music therapy.

This is nothing new, the healing powers of music are well documented. We can read about it in the Ancient Greek myths, and there's a story in the Bible of the king's depressive state being helped by David's harp music.

Some Facts About Music Therapy

There are basically two types: playing music as therapy, and listening to music. We'll focus on the second one, which enables the listener to not only gain anxiety and stress relief, but to conquer a host of related issues.

This is often coupled with meditation, and the listener is encouraged to also use correct breathing techniques and guided imagery. We now know that music affects the deeper reaches of the brain and can radically change hormonal imbalances, thereby promoting healthier moods.

How Does Music Have This Effect?

Psychiatrists are of the opinion the beat or rhythm of the music penetrates deeply into the subconscious, and there it triggers associations of safety, warmth and security. That's because before birth a baby is surrounded by the security of the womb and the predominant sound is the mother's beating heart.

The slow, rhythmic pulse of relaxing music may reflect the feelings first enjoyed when our lives were stress and anxiety-free. Thus we can withdraw for a while from the causes of our stress and anxiety to an imaginary place of refuge and safety.

Selecting appropriate music for therapy and stress relief may not be as simple as it sounds. You need to choose prudently. Indeed, the 'wrong' music can promote stress instead of alleviating it! Picking music you like can work in some circumstances, but not necessarily for deep stress relief meditation. And listening to 'relaxing' music that you hate, convinced that it will 'do you good', can work against you.

Luckily there are music therapists who have covered all the bases. Their research and experience indicate that music with a beat of just under the regular heart beat - that's 72 beats a minute - is the most effective stress reliever. Even more so if it has repeated patterns.

Some of the best music for stress relief is to be found in:

* Classical

* Celtic

* Native American music

* New Age recordings

Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:

If you're sad and lonely, sad country songs will probably make you feel worse.

When your brain is in overdrive and your energy depleted, listening to hard rock may not be the best prescription! But if you've been bored out your mind at work and have lots of pent-up energy, it could be just what the doctor ordered.

When you're facing a challenge and no one else can help, putting on your favorites from the 'old days' of your youth can have a very encouraging effect.

If it's relaxation you're after, instrumental music with flutes, bass drums and even sounds from nature - bird song, ocean waves, rustling leaves, etc. - are your best bet. These all have an extraordinarily calming effect.

The Best Way To Enjoy Music Therapy

These tips will help you really feel the benefits of music therapy:

* Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others

* Sit or lie in a restful state

* Or you may choose to stroll in a secluded place and listen to your mp3 or CD player; this way you get the additional benefits of fresh air and exercise

* Remember, select your music wisely; you may even choose to invest in some commercially produced relaxation CDs or mp3s. These are available on meditation themes such as mind power, weight loss, pain relief - and many more

* Daily sessions are best, but if this not possible do them as often as you can

Once you discover the benefits of music therapy, your health will improve, your emotional life will be more stable and your relationships will improve. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info

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