Music as a Dynamic Medicine
Now, what is exciting is what music could mean for medicine. If music can adjust activity in the critical emotional centers of our brains, it could be a powerful tool. It may help treat mental health and neurological conditions. Music might be a dynamic medicine, helping to rebalance the orchestra when it is out of tune.
Why do we find comfort in certain pieces of music during stressful times?
Our brains are wired to notice patterns. Music, with its predictable rhythmic and melodic structures, feeds this innate need. A study showed that our brains release the “feel-good” neurotransmitter dopamine when we can predict musical patterns, providing a sense of pleasure and relief from anxiety (Salimpoor et al., 2011).
Studies have shown that music has a direct impact on our physiological responses. The research found that listening to music can lower the stress hormone cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, and ease feelings of anxiety (Thoma et al., 2013). Another study confirmed that soothing music could slow our heart rate. It could also lower blood pressure, further promoting relaxation (Knight & Rickard, 2001).
So, the next time a powerful piece of music moves you, remember it is not just touching your heart. It is also lighting up a symphony in your brain.
More information is available from: Pathways to Peace: A Journey Through Aromatherapy, Music, Meditation, and Exercise for Anxiety Relief.
References:
Knight, W. E., & Rickard, N. S. (2001). Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females. Journal of Music Therapy, 38(4), 254–272.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262.
Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156.
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