Can Music Therapy Bring Stress Relief?

How many people suffer from stress these days? Experts tell us that in the west it's the majority of people! That probably accounts for the fact that stress relief programs appear like mushrooms. Some are useless, but many work - and one of the best has proved to be music therapy. It works not only in reducing the stress of grown-ups and kids - but even pets!

This is nothing new, the healing powers of music are well documented. We can read about it in the Ancient Greek myths, and there's a story in the Bible of the king's depressive state being helped by David's harp music.

Tell Me More 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.

Meditation is often used with music therapy, and through a combination of listening, correct breathing and guided imagery, we can tap into the deeper levels of the subconscious mind. This affects not only our hormonal balance, but our moods and general health.

How Does Music Have This Effect?

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.

The slow, rhythmic pulse of relaxing music may reflect the feelings first enjoyed when our lives were stress and anxiety-free. Thus we can withdraw for a while from the causes of our stress and anxiety to an imaginary place of refuge and safety.

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)

Luckily there are music therapists who have covered all the bases. Their research and experience indicate that music with a beat of just under the regular heart beat - that's 72 beats a minute - is the most effective stress reliever. Even more so if it has repeated patterns.

Some of the best music for stress relief is to be found in:

* Classical

* Celtic rhythms

* Native American rhythms

* New Age music

Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:

Sad country music won't make you feel better if you're already feeling down!

If you're stressed and your brain is over-active, hard rock could be the last thing you need. On the other hand, if you've had a particularly boring day at the office, heavy metal could be the best music therapy for you - provided you like it, of course!

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.

How To Get The Best From Your Music Therapy Sessions

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

* Sit or lie in a restful state

* Or you may prefer to walk in a restful, quiet environment while listening to your iPod or CD player. This can also combine regular, deep breathing and exercise

* Remember, select your music wisely; you may even choose to invest in some commercially produced relaxation CDs or mp3s. These are available on meditation themes such as mind power, weight loss, pain relief - and many more

* The more often you can do this the better; every day is ideal

When you are really into music therapy you'll notice great all-round improvement in your physical, mental and spiritual health. You'll look back and wish you discovered it earlier!

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Before buying any music therapy items check Frank McGinty's StressReliefGold, and pick up your FREE report, Beat Stress - And Start Living. Also, get info on your FREE stress-busting 20-minute meditation, The Secret Garden.

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