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Music therapy is an ally in the treatment of speech, motor, neuropsychiatric disorders and as a therapy for the elderly

Music therapy is a form of therapy that studies the potential of music on the human body.

When we listen to happy music, it feels like our day gets lighter, doesn't it? And the opposite can be said for more melancholy songs. Music influences our mood, our well-being, can relieve stressful situations and positively mark memorable events. The history of music is linked to the history of man, it is a mark of the development of intelligence and culture. There is no doubting its influence on our lives. But in addition to these effects that most of us have experienced, it can also bring physical benefits and be an ally in the treatment of illnesses.

• Benefits of Music for the Brain

Music is made up of sound waves generated by the vibration of bodies. Our vocal chords, the strings of a guitar or the column of air inside a flute generate vibrations that vary according to intensity, frequency and timbre.

music therapy

Music therapy works on the effects that sound waves have on the body and the mental associations that music awakens. Music is analyzed from a holistic, playful and also mechanical point of view. Each style or sound stimulates the individual more according to their social context, musical background and personal taste. In 1972, the first graduation course in music therapy appeared in Brazil and the profession of music therapist was recognized by the Brazilian Code of Occupations. Many people don't know yet, but music can be a preventive tool, as well as providing relief from chronic pain and everyday stress.

Music therapists use musical elements for the physical, social and mental rehabilitation of their patients. Through musical instruments, songs and noises, the therapist treats people with disabilities, which can be speech, motor, psychiatric disorders, etc. Different resources are used according to the patient's history and condition. Music therapy can be passive or active - in the latter, individuals are encouraged to produce, play, improvise, compose or sing. The advantage is that the patient does not need to have any prior knowledge. There is no need for technical musical knowledge, as the expressive, creative and coordination functions will be worked on anyway.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Cognitive development, creativity, memorization, sensitivity, among other aspects, are related to music consumption. In addition to having an influence on the brain's nerve networks, music works by facilitating communication, bringing comfort and reducing pain. It helps with circulation, breathing, relief from chronic pain and cancer symptoms.

As for the physical field, according to the rhythm of the music, breathing becomes more labored or calmer, and can be used in stress crises. Also, blood pressure may rise or fall, heartbeats become stronger or softer. And this is not pure speculation, several studies suggest music therapy in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease to reduce the risk of cardiac complications.

The music therapy professional can guide activities that encourage coordination and development of movements through sound production on various instruments. In this way, the treatment benefits motor rehabilitation, restoration of functions for injured people or people who have suffered cerebrovascular accidents.

Another music therapy tool is the lyre table, or monochord table, which consists of a large box, in which the patient lies down, suspended by wooden feet, with 42 steel strings tuned in reverse (in most cases). According to music therapists, it has the potential to unblock tensions, causing a feeling of deep relaxation, and can be used in the treatment of various ailments.

Music activates the limbic system (the region of the brain responsible for emotions, affectivity and social behavior). In this way, she is able to contribute to socialization and increase endorphin production. These reasons are some why music therapy is also very indicated in the treatment of depression, stress, anxiety and other neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism.

In Brazil, many Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional (Apaes), rehabilitation centers, Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps) and Social Assistance Reference Centers offer music therapy as one of their therapeutic activities. In addition, music therapy has been used by the Support Group for Adolescents and Children with Cancer (Graacc). Music removes the sensation of pain from the mind and gradually reduces the anxiety that pain causes in the patient, relaxing and taking the focus off the suffering caused by cancer or other illnesses.

Recommended for a lot of people

Music therapy can be started from pregnancy, in the work of the bond between mother and baby and also to work with traumas and illnesses such as postpartum depression.

The diverse potentialities of music therapy are surprising, it helps in general to improve the quality of life as a whole. It can be used preventively in the elderly, to maintain cognitive and motor functions, and also as an occupation that allows working the emotional and social side. The therapy helps students with learning difficulties, develops creative potential, promotes the rehabilitation of drug addicts and the social reintegration of minor offenders.

Music therapy is one of the treatments aimed at a humane and sensitive approach in contact with patients. Like alternative medicine, it must be done with scientific knowledge, which is why graduation for music therapists is so important. The training is focused on offering a treatment performed in a respectful way, valuing the subjectivities of each one and encouraging creativity and personal development as a whole.

• Music and work: studies indicate which music helps with different types of tasks

Even without the therapeutic effects, listening to music for leisure can also have positive impacts on your routine. Watch the songs that bring you good memories, feelings of calm and tranquility and build your playlist. This process, in addition to being fun, can serve as a form of self-knowledge, in which you allow yourself to pay attention to what is good for you. Try listening at work (if possible), at home, during a run, or even in traffic. This can help to restore calm and well-being in difficult times of everyday life.