We’re talking about music therapy. Multiple studies at Harvard, Cleveland Clinic and the NIH, have firmly established a direct correlation between music therapy and mental health improvement. Music Therapists are now able to customize programs for those critically afflicted.
For those of us, not in a hapless state yet, but well into or reaching seniority, just listening to the right kind of music can keep our brains healthy. A shield against Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, Schizophrenia, and even cancer
Do we need to “understand” music in a traditional sense? No. Just listening can trigger inherent emotional and sensory responses.
Among Indian classical music, raags Darbari and Jog are known to have produced positive effect. And there is a whole lot in western classical. Mozart sonatas for example.
Besides just listening, to maximize benefits, move into participation in music through interventions that include visualization, playing or participating in group music sessions.
Here are some resources that will convince you to embrace the healing power of music.
Please let me know your thoughts. Perhaps we can explore this route towards well being together.
Let’s get started!
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-through-music-201511058556
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10754644
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/music-therapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128158548000446