Evidence Of The Healing Power Of Music Has Only Been Collected Recently

Music has been used for centuries to help people emotionally, spiritually, and physically. But only recently has research been conducted to scientifically analyze the healing power of music and confirm its positive effects.

The Power of Music for Social Connection and Memory Retrieval

One of the most prominent areas where music has been used therapeutically is in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. According to The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, singing and listening to music can improve mood, help patients retrieve old memories, and enable social connection with others.¹

Music Therapy for Stress Reduction and Pain Management

More recently, music therapy has been used to treat other ailments such as stress and pain. In 2021, a New York Times article reported how doctors have been using music therapy to help patients cope with stress and manage pain.² Harvard Health Blog also reported that music therapy decreases pain perception, reduces the amount of pain medication needed, helps relieve depression, and gives people a sense of control over their pain.³

Conclusion

Overall, evidence of the healing power of music has only been collected recently, but its beneficial effects have been seen for centuries. It is now being studied scientifically and has been proven to provide a variety of therapeutic benefits.

References

1. The Power of Music: To Feel, Heal, and Connect: https://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/families/the-power-of-music-to-feel-heal-and-connect/
2. Music Therapy: Why Doctors Use it to Help Patients Cope: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/well/music-therapy-treatment-stress.html
3. Healing through music: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-through-music-201511058556