Most culture have always used music as a form of therapy. Western culture just seem to be beginning to appreciate and study exactly what effects they can have especially in the stressful conditions most of us choose to endure. Even modern day songs can be therapeutic, whether it is because of the inspirational lyrics or smooth soothing sounds which trigger stress free or relaxing experiences and memories.

Reduce stress – improve your life

Test have shown biological proof of the power of music. Research has shown that when people listen to music which they enjoy, it can have a profound effects by dropping your heart rate and your blood pressure. While this may true, easy listening and relaxing music may be more beneficial. Research has even indicated that easy listening instrumental music may actually be beneficial to your health because anti-body production increased in the immune system of those who listen to just 30 minutes of easy listening instrumental music.

If you enjoy physical activities, especially repetitive or solo activities such as jogging or working out (such as pilates) you may personally listen to music or notice others listening to music. You may not realise why but music can make a person more motivated but it can also be a ‘distraction’ from pain. A group of 60 participant (chosen from clinics suffering from chronic pain) were put into three equal groups. The first group listened to any popular music of their choice. The second listened to relaxing music chosen by the researchers. The third group were the control who did not listen to music. The study found both groups which listened to music in general reported significantly less pain, less depressive feelings and greater mobility.

Even in the medical profession German medical doctors found that when music was played to patients going through a gastrocopy, (a procedure where a probe is taken down the throat into the stomach) showed less sign of uncomfortably and also produced less stress hormones if the were listening to calm, soothing music.

Advise on listening choices to reduce stress

Take this section with a pinch of salt. (adjust to your own preference and situation).
It must also be pointed out that music that you enjoy and are familiar with happen to be the most relaxing for most people. Your mood and situation should be an indication of what type of music you should listen to. After a long day of work try classical music or contemporary jazz with a tempo of around 72 bpm (beats per minutes) or less.  It is also advice to avoid music with abrupt changes in tempo or melody. Also playing music at very low volume can cause you to strain to hear and actually make listening to music stressful.

While you should not feel the need to change you taste or preference in music, have an open mind and try to open up yourself to the therapeutic power music can have on your life.