Nov
5
Benefits Of Music Therapy
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Music therapy uses music to promote positive changes in the wellbeing of an individual. These positive changes may be manifested in changes in physical development, social and interpersonal development, emotional or spiritual wellbeing or cognitive abilities.
The therapeutic benefits of music have been known and harnessed since ancient times. However, music therapy in modern times dates back to the World Wars when music was used in hospitals in the rehabilitation and recovery of soldiers who had suffered physical or emotional trauma. The University of Kansas was the first University in the United States to offer a degree program in music therapy in 1944.
Early exponents of music therapy in the 1950’s to 1970’s included the French cellist Juliet Alvin and Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. The Nordoff-Robbins approach is still used in many countries around the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany and South Africa.
So, how does music therapy work?
Music is universal and connects across language barriers. Most people can respond to music in some way regardless of illness or disability.
Music has an inherent ability to generate an emotional response in the listener. It stimulates a relaxation response which can therefore lead to physiological changes in the body. Music is known to reduce stress thereby producing related benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved respiration, reduced heart rate, better cardiac performance and reduced tension in muscles.
Music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain and this stimulation has been shown to help in development of language and speech functions. It promotes socialization and development of communication, self expression and motor skills. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder have been found to respond very positively to music and many of them display high levels of musical skill.
Music encourages verbal as well as non verbal communication and promotes social interaction and relatedness. It’s a valuable outlet for self expression and creativity. It has also been successfully used in pain management by providing a distraction from the painful stimulus as well as a means of relaxation and stress alleviation.
Children with developmental and learning difficulties,children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or special needs as well as the elderly and dementia sufferers have all been shown to benefit from music therapy. Although the benefits of music therapy have been accepted intuitively and based on anecdotal evidence it wasn’t till recently that quantitative evidence of its efficacy started to emerge.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine blood samples of a group of male Alzheimer’s patients who were treated with music therapy were found to have significantly elevated levels of melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine which are chemicals which act on the brain to control mood, depression, aggression and sleep. The benefits of the therapy were still evident even six weeks after cessation of the therapy and in the case of melatonin the effects persisted even longer.
Music therapy is gaining wider acceptance in the general medical community and has certainly stood the test of time. Music therapists can now be found practicing in a variety of institutions dealing with mental health, developmental and early intervention programs, correctional institutions and special education programs to name but a few. Many are having success where traditional treatment methods have failed.
By: Kevin Sinclair
About the Author:
The therapeutic benefits of music have been known and harnessed since ancient times. However, music therapy in modern times dates back to the World Wars when music was used in hospitals in the rehabilitation and recovery of soldiers who had suffered physical or emotional trauma. The University of Kansas was the first University in the United States to offer a degree program in music therapy in 1944.
Early exponents of music therapy in the 1950’s to 1970’s included the French cellist Juliet Alvin and Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. The Nordoff-Robbins approach is still used in many countries around the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany and South Africa.
So, how does music therapy work?
Music is universal and connects across language barriers. Most people can respond to music in some way regardless of illness or disability.
Music has an inherent ability to generate an emotional response in the listener. It stimulates a relaxation response which can therefore lead to physiological changes in the body. Music is known to reduce stress thereby producing related benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved respiration, reduced heart rate, better cardiac performance and reduced tension in muscles.
Music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain and this stimulation has been shown to help in development of language and speech functions. It promotes socialization and development of communication, self expression and motor skills. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder have been found to respond very positively to music and many of them display high levels of musical skill.
Music encourages verbal as well as non verbal communication and promotes social interaction and relatedness. It’s a valuable outlet for self expression and creativity. It has also been successfully used in pain management by providing a distraction from the painful stimulus as well as a means of relaxation and stress alleviation.
Children with developmental and learning difficulties,children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or special needs as well as the elderly and dementia sufferers have all been shown to benefit from music therapy. Although the benefits of music therapy have been accepted intuitively and based on anecdotal evidence it wasn’t till recently that quantitative evidence of its efficacy started to emerge.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine blood samples of a group of male Alzheimer’s patients who were treated with music therapy were found to have significantly elevated levels of melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine which are chemicals which act on the brain to control mood, depression, aggression and sleep. The benefits of the therapy were still evident even six weeks after cessation of the therapy and in the case of melatonin the effects persisted even longer.
Music therapy is gaining wider acceptance in the general medical community and has certainly stood the test of time. Music therapists can now be found practicing in a variety of institutions dealing with mental health, developmental and early intervention programs, correctional institutions and special education programs to name but a few. Many are having success where traditional treatment methods have failed.
By: Kevin Sinclair
About the Author:
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development.
Sep
22
How To Deal With Anxiety and Depression With Deep Relaxation Techniques of Meditation
Filed Under Advice | Leave a Comment
Many people these days report feelings of uncontrollable anxiety, as well as depression. In fact, anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental conditions facing individuals today. From a broader social point of view, it is an interesting phenomenon.
After all, in privileged developed countries that have high standards of living, you would think that anxiety and depression rates would be low.
Not so! In fact, the opposite is true with many health professionals stating that anxiety and depression are part of the malaise affecting modernized societies across the world.
The problem of depression and anxiety is part and parcel of the failure of modern day materialism and consumerism. Despite having all the things we want and need, people everywhere are still failing to find happiness in their day-to-day lives.
And it isn’t surprising really when you consider the costs of our material wealth. Too often these days people are spending more and more of their time working, and losing precious time with their families and friends.
Our urbane existences are hectic, fast-paced and individualized with little opportunity for meaningful social interaction. It’s no wonder so many people feel anxious or develop depression. Thankfully, many people who suffer from these conditions are finding meditation a very effective way of treating the signs and symptoms.
1) Do you suffer from an anxiety condition?
But firstly, what are the signs of anxiety conditions? The symptoms of anxiety illnesses are varied and diverse that includes any one (or a combination) of the following problems:
- Breathing problems, or shortness of breath
- Hot flushes or cold sweats
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Heart arrhythmia, palpitations or chest pains
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Morbid thoughts, or terror or sudden fear that something terrible will happen.
- A sensation of loss of control
- Agoraphobia
- Inability to socialize
- Avoidance of crowds or open spaces
- General tension and anxiety and an inability to relax most of the time.
2) Do you suffer from depression?
The symptoms that accompany depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, tension, confusion or irritability
- A diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
- Loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
- Unusually lowered or increased appetite, with corresponding weight gain or loss
- Over sleeping or insomnia or lack of sleep
- Listlessness, restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Decreased ability to concentrate or make decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Suicidal ideation
3) How meditation can help both anxiety and depression
Obviously if you experience anxiety or depression-related symptoms in an ongoing way, or in a manner that interferes with normal life, then the very first step is to see a doctor.
There is no doubt that medical attention and treatment is crucial to coping with anxiety or depression. That said, you can use meditation to help alleviate the symptoms and perhaps even cure yourself of both these life-affecting problems.
Unfortunately many people think you have to be part of a particular religion or spiritual tradition to meditate. Indeed meditation is too often associated with unconventional or offbeat eastern or new-age spiritual practices.
This is a common misconception that overlooks the enormous mental benefits that mediation brings to peoples lives every day. You certainly don’t have to be a Buddhist or new-age hippie to get the benefits of meditation. In fact, for people suffering from either anxiety or depression, the great weight of medical research suggests that the relaxation techniques taught through meditation are invaluable for coping with the symptoms of both conditions.
4) How do I incorporate meditation into my day?
If you have decided to explore how meditation techniques can help your anxiety or depression, here are a few tips on including meditation into your day.
Start by telling your family that you are going to start practicing meditation every day, at a particular time during which you do not want to be disturbed.
Find a quiet space in your house, preferably a room that can be closed off, giving you maximum privacy and seclusion.
If you wish, you can play soft, relaxing music. Get comfortable either in a cross-legged position or by lying on the floor with your head supported by a pillow or bolster.
Close your eyes and systematically work through every muscle in your body, relaxing each one in turn. Start with your toes, then work up you legs, and so on, relaxing every single muscle so you feel loose, tranquil and as if you are melting into the floor. Even relax your jaw and eyelids!
Once you feel completely relaxed, focus on slow, deliberate breathing. With every in-breath think of a word (for example, “deep”) and say to yourself inwardly. In the same way, recite a word inwardly when you exhale (such as “gentle”). Recite these two words as you inhale and exhale (”deep” then “gentle”; “deep” then “gentle” and so on) for approximately 20 minutes.
Control your mind by not letting it slip into analysis, planning or reflection. Simply focus on your breathing, and tune out all other thoughts. This is all it takes to meditate.
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you can help manage your problem by simply incorporating the deep relaxation techniques of meditation.
By: Tenzin Palmo
About the Author:
After all, in privileged developed countries that have high standards of living, you would think that anxiety and depression rates would be low.
Not so! In fact, the opposite is true with many health professionals stating that anxiety and depression are part of the malaise affecting modernized societies across the world.
The problem of depression and anxiety is part and parcel of the failure of modern day materialism and consumerism. Despite having all the things we want and need, people everywhere are still failing to find happiness in their day-to-day lives.
And it isn’t surprising really when you consider the costs of our material wealth. Too often these days people are spending more and more of their time working, and losing precious time with their families and friends.
Our urbane existences are hectic, fast-paced and individualized with little opportunity for meaningful social interaction. It’s no wonder so many people feel anxious or develop depression. Thankfully, many people who suffer from these conditions are finding meditation a very effective way of treating the signs and symptoms.
1) Do you suffer from an anxiety condition?
But firstly, what are the signs of anxiety conditions? The symptoms of anxiety illnesses are varied and diverse that includes any one (or a combination) of the following problems:
- Breathing problems, or shortness of breath
- Hot flushes or cold sweats
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Heart arrhythmia, palpitations or chest pains
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Morbid thoughts, or terror or sudden fear that something terrible will happen.
- A sensation of loss of control
- Agoraphobia
- Inability to socialize
- Avoidance of crowds or open spaces
- General tension and anxiety and an inability to relax most of the time.
2) Do you suffer from depression?
The symptoms that accompany depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, tension, confusion or irritability
- A diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
- Loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
- Unusually lowered or increased appetite, with corresponding weight gain or loss
- Over sleeping or insomnia or lack of sleep
- Listlessness, restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Decreased ability to concentrate or make decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Suicidal ideation
3) How meditation can help both anxiety and depression
Obviously if you experience anxiety or depression-related symptoms in an ongoing way, or in a manner that interferes with normal life, then the very first step is to see a doctor.
There is no doubt that medical attention and treatment is crucial to coping with anxiety or depression. That said, you can use meditation to help alleviate the symptoms and perhaps even cure yourself of both these life-affecting problems.
Unfortunately many people think you have to be part of a particular religion or spiritual tradition to meditate. Indeed meditation is too often associated with unconventional or offbeat eastern or new-age spiritual practices.
This is a common misconception that overlooks the enormous mental benefits that mediation brings to peoples lives every day. You certainly don’t have to be a Buddhist or new-age hippie to get the benefits of meditation. In fact, for people suffering from either anxiety or depression, the great weight of medical research suggests that the relaxation techniques taught through meditation are invaluable for coping with the symptoms of both conditions.
4) How do I incorporate meditation into my day?
If you have decided to explore how meditation techniques can help your anxiety or depression, here are a few tips on including meditation into your day.
Start by telling your family that you are going to start practicing meditation every day, at a particular time during which you do not want to be disturbed.
Find a quiet space in your house, preferably a room that can be closed off, giving you maximum privacy and seclusion.
If you wish, you can play soft, relaxing music. Get comfortable either in a cross-legged position or by lying on the floor with your head supported by a pillow or bolster.
Close your eyes and systematically work through every muscle in your body, relaxing each one in turn. Start with your toes, then work up you legs, and so on, relaxing every single muscle so you feel loose, tranquil and as if you are melting into the floor. Even relax your jaw and eyelids!
Once you feel completely relaxed, focus on slow, deliberate breathing. With every in-breath think of a word (for example, “deep”) and say to yourself inwardly. In the same way, recite a word inwardly when you exhale (such as “gentle”). Recite these two words as you inhale and exhale (”deep” then “gentle”; “deep” then “gentle” and so on) for approximately 20 minutes.
Control your mind by not letting it slip into analysis, planning or reflection. Simply focus on your breathing, and tune out all other thoughts. This is all it takes to meditate.
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you can help manage your problem by simply incorporating the deep relaxation techniques of meditation.
By: Tenzin Palmo
About the Author:
Tenzin is an accomplished author/publisher who has helped readers from all over the world to get whatever they want out of life using the ancient lost secrets of the mystics and masters. Learn more about the research of Tenzin Message Of A Master, Instant Wishmaker, and “Free Tarot Reading and Other Amazing Destiny Reading Secrets!