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We're told that in the western world today the majority of people suffer from some degree of stress or other. If this is so, no wonder finding solutions to stress is a growth industry. Thankfully, many of these solutions are highly effective, and none more so than music therapy. Stress relief in both adults and children - even in some pets! - has been greatly enhanced by music therapy. The beneficial effects of music therapy go way back in folklore and beyond. It's mentioned in Greek myths, and even in the Bible (when David plays his harp to soothe his troubled king). Some Facts About Music Therapy There are basically two types: playing music as therapy, and listening to music. We'll focus on the second one, which enables the listener to not only gain anxiety and stress relief, but to conquer a host of related issues. This goes hand in hand with meditation, and involves such techniques as deep breathing and mental imagery. It's known that music works on many levels of the brain and significantly changes moods and hormone functions. What Makes Music Work In This Way? In the months before birth, a baby is surrounded by warmth and security in the mother's womb. The most reassuring sound is the mother's heart beat. Medical experts now claim that when we're in a relaxed state the regular beat or rhythm of music rekindles feelings first experienced before birth. Slow music with a soft, regular beat can take us back to this time when we had no worries about work, bills and complex relationships. The music can help us to retreat mentally from these everyday concerns as we bask in the soothing and enveloping sounds! However, selecting music for therapy - for self or others - can be quite tricky. Instead of promoting stress relief, the wrong kind of music can cause stress. And just because you have a favorite style doesn't mean it will work for this! For the profound relaxation and stress relief we're talking about you must select more carefully. (Some people even listen to so-called 'relaxing music' they can't stand - and it does anything but relax them) Fortunately, professional music therapists can guide us here. They recommend music that has a rhythm of less than 72 beats per minute - that's slower than the heart beat. If the music goes in cycles or repeating segments, so much the better. Examples of the best music for stress relief are: * Classical * Celtic rhythms * Native American rhythms * New Age music Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently: If you're sad and lonely, sad country songs will probably make you feel worse. When your brain is in overdrive and your energy depleted, listening to hard rock may not be the best prescription! But if you've been bored out your mind at work and have lots of pent-up energy, it could be just what the doctor ordered. When you're facing a challenge and no one else can help, putting on your favorites from the 'old days' of your youth can have a very encouraging effect. Listening to the music of nature - a babbling brook, birds singing or leaves whispering in the breeze - is a great way to induce a stress-relieving relaxed state. And instrumental music like flutes coupled with bass drums can work wonders. The Best Way To Enjoy Music Therapy These tips will help you get the most from your music therapy: * Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others * Relax, either sitting or lying down * Or you may choose to stroll in a secluded place and listen to your mp3 or CD player; this way you get the additional benefits of fresh air and exercise * Remember to choose music that suits your particular requirements; you may like to consider music with guided meditations on themes such as self-motivation, stress relief, decision making * The more often you can do this the better; every day is ideal Once you discover the benefits of music therapy, your health will improve, your emotional life will be more stable and your relationships will improve. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
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