Could music possibly be the answer to reducing anxiety and other illnesses? Check out the article, below, to learn why music is an important outlet for those who suffer from hindering illnesses!
Music plays an important role in the daily life of many people. Some rely on music to get them through their morning routine, while others listen to it to stay inspired during a workout. Many folks even have their iTunes on when they’re cooking a meal, taking a shower or folding the laundry. And how many of you, when you hear a tune from your past, think back on those times and reflect on what you were doing back then?
Music is quite often linked to mood. A certain song may make us feel happy, sad, energetic or relaxed. In fact, since music can have such an impact on a person’s mindset and well-being, music therapy has been studied for use in managing numerous medical conditions.
Music has a calming effect on people. It causes them to be friendlier to others. This often benefits the relationships between patients and hospital employees. Music is being used more often in medical facilities where it can be needed the most. “There is a growing body of evidence that music therapy is more than just a perk for people”, says Dr. Victor Filadora, chief of clinical services at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, which has an expansive music program. “Researchers are looking at how it’s improving outcomes and quality of life,” according to Dr. Filadora.
Controlled trials have been conducted and suggest that music can reduce anxiety as well as the need for as much sedation during colonoscopies, some heart-related procedures and knee surgeries, said Filadora, an anesthesiologist. Some research shows that if you are listening to music in the recovery area, you might decrease the need for narcotics, he said. It also appears to decrease the worry for those in cancer treatment, as well as nausea and vomiting that can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
Neuroscientists have discovered that listening to music heightens positive emotion through the reward centers of our brain, stimulating hits of dopamine that can make us feel good or even elated. Listening to music also lights up other areas of the brain — in fact, almost no brain center is left untouched — suggesting more widespread effects and potential uses for music.
This article was originally posted on TheLCN.com
