Listening to music and playing music are fun, creative outlets, but do you know music is also used as therapy to improve physical and emotional health?
What is music therapy?
It uses the rhythms, vibrations and feelings created through music to help people gain or improve certain abilities. Professional music therapists have special training and
certifications. They are required to know about music, medicine and psychology.
How does music therapy work?
Music therapists work with individuals and groups in health care and educational settings. They use music with those recovering from injuries, managing long-term conditions, or working through emotional issues, like grief and depression.
Music therapy can help people express themselves, which enhances creativity and communication skills. Group classes are also a great way to be social. Music therapy has been shown to have a calming eff ect and even reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve pain management.
Do you need to know how to play an instrument for music therapy to work?
Not at all! No musical experience is needed. Through music therapy, you can learn how to use an instrument and create rhythms. But you don’t need to use an instrument to get the benefits. Moving to the beat might help those with limited mobility. Sometimes simply listening to music has a powerful effect.
Music therapy is done in different ways, including:
- Drumming
- Learning to play instruments, such as small percussion instruments
- Singing
- Dancing or moving to music
- Listening to music
- Writing songs
Learn more Check out our Guided Relaxation video, which uses music therapy, at http://www.peopleshealth.com/ wellness. Or “like” Peoples Health on Facebook to see it and more videos.
