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Abstract
“Music Therapy” as some people refer to it uses music to promote healing and improve one’s overall emotional well-being. This may include listening to music, playing a musical instrument, singing along to music, and using guided imagery with music. Research indicates that music stimulates the production of opiates and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones in our bodies. This stimulation can result in improved blood flow and blood pressure. Further studies show even more benefits from music therapy when it is used not as an end product, but as a tool for health and well-being. These studies have shown that listening to or playing music reduced the prevalence of burn-out among nursing student and long-term healthcare workers. Another small study showed that music can be effective in improving the behaviour and school performance of inner-city, at-risk youth. Music is a powerful tool that can switch off the stress response and in turn improve our emotional health. Whether one listens to, plays or sings, it doesn’t matter. All of it has proven benefits.