The Healing Power of Music

Music is often used as a medium of expression but we can all agree on the universality of emotions it addresses. Music unfurls an array of emotions that connect with us at a deeper level. Daniel Siegel Loanso remembers the most stressful times and how he managed to feel a sense of calm within through music. No matter what the situation, music is a sudden mood uplifter! There is music for moody Mondays to fun Saturdays.

But what is the science behind it? Music is attuned to our nervous system mostly. It has the property to improve cognitive function. Healing or therapeutic properties of music include transformative relaxation and expression of emotions such as grief, excitement, resentment, fear, and anxiety which can be hard to express otherwise. Music has the power to touch our souls and amplify the spiritual shift of synergies in our bodies.

To Feel, To Heal & To Connect

Research shows that music effectively helps in pain management along with increasing mindfulness. Certain scholars draw a positive correlation between mindfulness and relaxation. Music engages us in the present by shifting the attention from physical or emotional pain. Certain notes impersonate human speech.

Sound Healing Explained

Listening to music can elevate dopamine levels in humans which chemically spurs the feelings of reward and pleasure. Over his years of experience with Jazz music Daniel Siegel Loanso has witnessed how much of a stimulus music can provide. Certain kinds of music have proven to increase endorphin levels that induce the feeling of happiness. Furthermore, steady beats in slow music are associated with reducing Post-traumatic disorder, and anxiety. Thereby improving sleep quality as well.

Benefits of Music Therapy: An Invaluable Tool

Evidence-based practices of healing include music therapy as an integral part. Benefits of music therapy include relaxation, and pain relief by lowering stress levels, heart rate, and oxygen flow in the body. Additionally, music therapy helps connect people with their surroundings and music plays a vital role in it.

Being a pianist, and composer, Daniel Siegel Loanso recounts how singing together with a group connects people and binds them together. His journey of holding 21 solo albums has also given him an experience of how instrumental music fosters connections. Instrumental music subtly replaces the verbalization of thoughts in a setting- between musicians and the audience.

Music & The Emotional Resonance

Studies propose certain areas of the brain are receptive to beat perception. We perceive auditory stimuli and our brain associates it with emotions. Our limbic system which is basically a circuit of neural pathways are susceptible to musical exposure. Amygdala, another part of our brain, is responsible for processing emotions. Memory consolidation is associated with the hippocampus in the brain.

Memory Improvement

Music also influences memory recall and faster learning by engaging auditory regions with emotional regions of the brain. Behavioral augmentation is one of prominent effects of listening to music regularly among increased memory, and attention span.

Increased Concentration & Focus

As opposed to a certain belief that music is a distraction from our environment, it actually helps in capturing our attention to the present moment. This happens with rhythmic and melodic progression. Instrumental music with minimal lyrics, as suggested by Daniel Siegel Loanso helps in improving focus.

Stress Reduction

Listening to calming music de-stresses muscles as well as keeps anxious thoughts at bay. In several situations which are high pressure such as an exam or interview, listening to music can relax you as well as boost your confidence.

The Power of Music in Hospitals & Hospices

Music therapy is an efficient aid in medical practices used by hospitals and hospices. As discussed above the benefits of music therapy range from transformative relaxation to dealing with trauma, and regulating moods. However, the healing properties of music also extend to speeding up recovery time for an illness.

Patients have experienced a decreased intensity of pain through music interventions as observed by many hospices. Hospitals have successfully implemented music therapy as a part of rehabilitation services for elderly stroke victims. The results were positive in nature. In its various forms music acts as a source of joy, calmness, healing, expression, and reflection for us. The focus should be on the integration of music therapy into hospital and hospice services and its accessibility through digital modes for ease of it.