How To Use Music Therapy For Stress Relief

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How To Use Music Therapy For Stress Relief - By: Frank McGinty, Posted on: 2007-08-11

Here in the west there seems to be an outbreak of stress and anxiety. Experts tell us the figures are high and rising. Good news for those in the stress relief industry! No wonder their products are burgeoning Some 'solutions' are better than others, but one that's tried and tested, and is very effective, is music therapy. It's good for kids and parents alike -and it even works on some pets!

The beneficial effects of music therapy go way back in folklore and beyond. It's mentioned in Greek myths, and even in the Bible (when David plays his harp to soothe his troubled king).

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.

This is often coupled with meditation, and the listener is encouraged to also use correct breathing techniques and guided imagery. We now know that music affects the deeper reaches of the brain and can radically change hormonal imbalances, thereby promoting healthier moods.

How Does Music Have This Effect?

Psychologists tell us music works on a very subtle subconscious level. In particular they refer to the beat, or rhythm, of the music. They point to the fact that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure within the womb, and the most reassuring sound was that of the mother's heart beat.

Before birth there were no worries about paying the bills, financing the kids' education and so on. Soft, rhythmic music enables us to leave all these concerns behind for a while and the soothing sounds help us regroup and recuperate.

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.

Examples of the best music for stress relief are:

* Classical pieces

* Celtic music

* Native American music

* New Age music

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

If you're sad and lonely, sad country songs will probably make you feel worse.

When your brain is in overdrive and your energy depleted, listening to hard rock may not be the best prescription! But if you've been bored out your mind at work and have lots of pent-up energy, it could be just what the doctor ordered.

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

Try these tips for great music therapy time-out:

* 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://higradesearch.com

Prior to buying any music therapy products visit Frank McGinty's StressReliefGold, and grab your FREE report, Beat Stress - And Start Living. Also, get info on your FREE stress-busting guided meditation, The Secret Garden.
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