Pain and anxiety can influence physiological status, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, peripheral blood flow and FT (Ko et al. 1996, Hoffman 1997, Dunn 2004). Our study found that music therapy could increase FT in the latent phase. Because music reduces perceived labour pain and anxiety, peripheral blood flow increases, which elevates FT. Elevation of FT is a significant nd indicator of physical relaxation through sympathetic response (Henry 1995). Music relieves pain and anxiety by stimulating pleasure, distracting concentration and providing a bridge for meditation (Browning 2000, Phumdoung & Good 2003). ur results agree with those of Guzzetta's (1989) study that music can promote relaxation and decrease muscle tension, which can increase peripheral blood flow as well as skin temperature as evidenced by the increased FT