Music as a Healing Force

• Soothing music can help with relaxation. 
• Music has healing properties, both psychological and physiological.
• It is important to understand your needs when it comes to healing with music. 
• It’s important to find a credible professional for a music therapy intervention.

“Music is an emotion.” I am pretty sure a lot of you can resonate with this. It is more than just entertainment, and can actually be healing. Music not only soothes anxiety or uplifts you, but can also help influence physical well-being. Rhythms and beats are everywhere around us, from rituals to ceremonies. Can you imagine life without it?

In this article, we will take a deeper look at how music can serve as a therapeutic tool.

Roots of Music 

Although we have seen a rise in music as a healing force, it is not new. As a matter of fact, its power was recognised by our ancestors. Chants and music in the healing ceremonies have been an integral part of indigenous cultures. 

Greece: Ancient Greek figures like Pythagoras understood that music engrossed mathematical harmony. He believed it could restore harmony within the human brain and body. It was used to treat melancholia and other emotional distresses. 

Egypt: Music has always been a part of healing and religious rituals. Specific instruments and notes played in temples were said to possess magical and medicinal properties. 

Indigenous Traditions: Since ancient times, it is said that rhythm and music are central to healing practices. It is seen across the globe, from Native American drumming circles to Aboriginal Australian song lines. Collective singing has been an integral part of the culture. It is said to induce altered states of consciousness. It is a pivotal part of healing practices. Moreover, it is conducive to emotional relaxation. 

The Psychological Impact of Music

Ever noticed how your mood suddenly shifts upon listening to music? It is because it has a strong effect on our emotions. It can help with stress reduction and elevate cognitive activity in the brain. 

• Uplifts your mood: Music can induce joy and alter emotions. Did you know that music is capable of evoking all kinds of human emotions? It helps release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for evoking pleasure and happiness. 
• Calms you down: Ever listened to music and felt relaxed instantaneously? This is because it lowers your cortisol (stress hormone), thereby, slowing down heart rate and breathing. If you find yourself in a rut, try listening to instruments, classical music and nature sounds. It will help reduce your stress. 
• Helps process emotions: If you ever feel that you’re unable to understand your feelings, know that you’re not alone! But this is where music plays an even bigger role. Lyrics to songs like “Someone Like You” by Adele can be cathartic, mirroring personal experiences, especially when you are going through a heartbreak. Let’s face it- this is almost everyone’s go-to song. 
• Improves concentration: The rhythms and beats can actually help boost your cognitive function. Instrumental music, specifically, can help eliminate distractions and create a conducive environment. Mozart’s music is an incredible example here. 

Impact on the Body

While the effect of music on the mind is well known, it also helps with physiological processes. 

It can help with pain management. Music can divert attention from pain and trigger the release of endorphins. It can reduce muscle tension and help manage various kinds of pain. 

Moreover, music is good for your heart! It can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. In addition to this, it can also improve circulation and enhance exercise benefits. 

As we have already established, music helps reduce stress. This means that it can indirectly support the immune system and help facilitate the relearning of motor tasks. This can especially be seen in individuals recovering from stroke or injury.

The Interconnection of Voice and Song

Voice helps in healing, and singing can be extremely cathartic for some individuals. 

• Community: As humans, we thrive in collectivity. Participating in group activities like choirs can help boost self-identity by making an individual part of a whole. It can be therapeutic as it helps reduce loneliness and boost confidence. 
• Lullabies: Be it any culture, we all grow up listening to lullabies. It not only helps infants foster a deeper connection with the caregiver but also helps them feel safe. 
• Revolutionary Songs: Every political or social movement uses art to express itself. Music and songs are a great outlet for this expression. It gives a space for marginalised groups to voice their feelings and fosters a collective identity. 

Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” is an excellent example- it became an anthem for the civil rights movement.

Recognising Your Need

While music does help, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The kind of music that you find helpful can be very different from “conventional music.” It is important to recognise that and choose the music that works for you. 

Personal experience: Music can trigger memories, both good and bad. It is imperative that you listen to songs that are associated with good memories when you’re feeling low or sad. It can uplift your mood and create a sense of comfort. 

Cultural differences: Traditions keep varying from culture to culture, and so does music. The effect can differ significantly across cultures. 

Your needs: Understanding what you’re experiencing and navigating your emotions through music is an individual journey. Choose the music that can help you at that specific moment. 

Musical healing, in essence, is based on individual goals. It can turn around the health of an individual. Given its power and influence, it is of utmost importance to choose a credible professional when going for music therapy. Check if they completed a proper and approved music therapy program. 

Lastly, music is a binding force- it unites us all irrespective of our backgrounds, cultures, and genders. It not only helps us connect with people on a universal level but also fosters a deeper connection with ourselves.