Music therapy is the use of music by health care professionals to promote health, and enhance the quality of life for their patient. Music has been known to have major effects on our body and psyche. Music therapy can be used to help heal a patient both emotionally and physically. The music therapist will design music sessions for individuals based on their needs and taste. Some aspects of music therapy include making music, listening to music, writing songs, or talking about lyrics. Music therapy can be done in hospitals, cancer centers, or your home. Music therapy can be done basically anywhere that a person can benefit from its calming and stimulating effects. The patient does not need to have any musical ability to benefit from music therapy.
Music therapy has been known to give a more positive state of mind to people suffering from depression and anxiety. If you or someone you love suffers from depression, music therapy can help you connect to feelings, express your thoughts, or overcome isolation. It can relieve stress, and provide an overall sense of well-being. Music therapy has been known to lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems.
Music therapy has also been known to help cancer patients. There is evidence that when used with conventional treatments, music therapy can reduce the pain and relieve chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Music therapy can also help children with cancer by promoting social interactions and cooperation.
People who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease or other Dementia diseases can benefit from music therapy. Music, especially familiar songs, can help unlock memories, improve communication, and overcome withdrawal.
If someone you know has a movement disorder such as Parkinson's Disease, music therapy can help them by improving their gait, balance, and range of motion.
The Center for Music Therapy, Inc. is located in Austin, Texas. This center is dedicated to making music therapy more accessible. It provides music therapy, adaptive music education and activities, healing music, and music theory resources. This center also provides technologies, products, and strategies accessible to those who need and want it. The music therapy and products are offered in traditional and non-traditional ways. For more information go to www.centerformusicthearpy.com.
Go to the American Music Therapy Association website to find out more about music therapy. There website is www.musictherapy.org. For additional information about music therapy go to www.about.com. www.cancer.org, and www.bethabe.org.