Music has many scientifically researched and known holistic health benefits. From the obvious mood enhancement experienced when “Dancing your Self Clean,” while soul singing along with your favorite artist.
Scientific Research on the Impact of Music
“There is strong scientific evidence supporting the use of music therapy for mood enhancement and anxiety/stress relief, according to Natural Standard research.” (Catherine Ulbricht, 2013)
Music therapy is a growing and respected field of psychology (listening, seeing, composing, etc.). Music therapy can be used for the treatment of virtually all mental illness and the improvement of overall mental wellness.
Drew Mikita
Evidence of improvement from music include (Cherry, 2018):
- Improved cognitive performance
- Reduction in stress
- Help with weight control
- Boosts in memory
- Pain management
- Improved sleep
- Increased motivation
- Mood enhancement
- Physical endurance
- Reduce the signs of mental illness (including depression and anxiety)
“Music-based activities can represent a valid and without side effects intervention for reducing psychological and behavioral disturbances related to neurological disorders and also for promoting the functional recovery. Specifically, the most significant results of the music interventions on the psychological side can be identified in the aspects more closely related to mood, especially in the reduction of the depressive and anxiety’s component, and in the improvement of the emotional expression, communication and interpersonal skills, self esteem and quality of life” (Raglio, Attardo, Gontero, Rollino, Groppo, Granieri, 2015)
“The ancient Greeks put one god, Apollo, in charge of both medicine and music. Today’s doctors tell us that music can enhance the function of neural networks, slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce levels of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines, and provide some relief to patients undergoing surgery, as well as heart attack and stroke victims. But these biological explanations and clinical observations may not do full justice to the effect music has on man and his world. Fortunately, poets and philosophers can fill in the gaps.” (Harvard Medical School, 2011)
“Researchers from McGill University in Montreal said it was the first time that the chemical – called dopamine – had been tested in response to music.
Dopamine increases in response to other stimuli such as food and money.
It is known to produce a feel-good state in response to certain tangible stimulants – from eating sweets to taking cocaine. Dopamine is also associated with less tangible stimuli – such as being in love.”
(McGilchrist, 2011)
Related Concepts and Ideas
- Dancing
- Artistic Expression
- Human Connection
- Poetry
- Expression
- Physical Activity
References and Resources
- Cherry, K (2018). 10 Surprising Psychological Benefits of Music. Very Well.
- Harvard Medical School. (2011). Music and Health. Harvard Medical Journal.
- McGilchrist, C. (2011). Music releases mood-enhancing chemical in the brain. BBC Health News.
- Raglio, R., Attardo, C., Gontero, G., Rollino, S., Groppo, E., Granieri, E. (2015) Effects of music and music therapy on mood in neurological patients. World Psychology Journal.
- Ulbricht, C. (2013). Music Therapy for Health and Wellness. Psychology Today.