Music is a universal art form that has been used as a therapeutic tool by many cultures throughout history. Music therapy is a clinical practice that uses music and its elements to help patients of all ages cope with a variety of mental health and emotional problems.
Distinct types of music can have distinct effects on people's mental and emotional health. Classical music, for example, can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, while nature music can help improve concentration and mood. Music can be used to promote relaxation and reduce symptoms resulting from stress, as well as improve mood and quality of life.
In the scientific community, according to a recent study, "music can help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improving mood and quality of life" (Wang et al., 2021). Music therapy can be used to help relieve pain, improve motor function, increase self-esteem, and improve cognition in people of all ages (Zhao et al., 2021). Music can also help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia (Liu et al., 2020).
Music therapy has been shown to be effective in a variety of cases, including patients with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders and personality disorders.
The following are some common activities of a music therapy protocol, always keeping in mind the individual needs of each patient and the purpose of the treatment:
Musical improvisation
In this activity, the patient is invited to create music spontaneously, using musical instruments or their own voice. Musical improvisation can be used to promote emotional expression and to work on self-esteem.
Songwriting
In songwriting, the patient is invited to create a song with lyrics and melody. This activity can be useful to promote emotional expression and creativity.
Singing
Singing can be used as a form of emotional expression, as well as helping to improve breathing and posture. The patient can sing songs of their choice or create their own songs.
Dance
Dancing can be used as a form of emotional expression and to improve motor coordination. The patient can dance freely or follow specific choreographies.
Relaxation
Relaxation can be promoted through techniques such as listening to relaxing music, guided meditation and deep breathing.
Musical games
Musical games can be used to promote socialization and interaction between patients. Some examples of musical games include rhythm games, song guessing games and musical imitation games.
In summary, music therapy can be a valuable way to promote people's mental and emotional health. The music therapy protocol can be tailored according to each patient's individual needs, and activities can include musical improvisation, songwriting, singing, dancing, relaxation and musical games. If you are looking for ways to improve your quality of life, music therapy may be a valuable choice to consider.
References:
Liu, Y., et al. (2020). The effect of music therapy on insomnia in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 48.
Wang, Y., et al. (2021). The effects of music therapy on psychological health: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 58(1), 4-21.
Zhao, X., et al. (2021). The effects of music therapy on motor function after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain and Behavior, 11(3).