Secrets of music therapy: a quick way to reduce anxiety

Music therapy, one of the new and effective methods of improving mental and physical health, is known as a powerful tool in the medical world. Combining science and art, this therapy uses the abilities of music to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve people's quality of life. In today's world; More and more people are looking for natural and non-pharmacological solutions to deal with everyday challenges such as anxiety, depression and stress, and this type of treatment has received a lot of public attention. According to research, music therapy can help improve cognitive function, social communication and even facilitate healing processes in patients with various diseases. Welcome to the world of music therapy; Where notes become medicine and sounds become relaxation. In the following, you can understand the impact of music and how it can help improve the quality of life. **History of music therapy** Music therapy as a therapeutic method has a deep and rich history that goes back thousands of years. In ancient cultures, music was used not only as an art but also as a therapeutic tool. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used music in religious ceremonies and clinics to improve the physical and mental condition of patients. Over time, in the 20th century, attention to music therapy as a scientific and rigorous profession began. In the years after World War II, the abundance of patients and the need for new treatments made doctors turn to music. In 1944, the first formal programs in this field began in the United States, and teaching and research in this field flourished. In 1950, the American Music Therapy Association was founded, and with this, music was recognized as an academic discipline in institutions of higher education. In today's digital age, music therapy has become more widely available. With the advancement of technology, online music therapy apps and programs have emerged that allow people to enjoy the benefits of music anytime, anywhere. The history of music therapy shows that this art therapy has existed for a long time and now it has entered our lives in a more modern and scientific way. **Top 4 principles of music therapy** Music therapy is an interdisciplinary field that is increasingly used in medical centers, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This method is based on scientific and experimental principles and uses the power of music to improve the mental, physical and social condition of patients. In the following, each of the key principles of music therapy is examined in detail. ### **1\_Emotional effects of music** Music is one of the most effective tools for managing emotional problems and stress due to its special power to evoke emotions. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce the level of stress hormones such as cortisol and lead to reduced anxiety and improved mood. In the process of music therapy, patients are encouraged to express their feelings through music; Which causes emotional drain. ### **2\_Development of social skills** Music therapy is often performed in multi-person groups, which creates opportunities for interaction and building social relationships. Group activities can include playing instruments together, group singing, and dramatic performances that help strengthen communication and social skills. These types of interactions make patients experience a greater sense of belonging and solidarity, which ultimately improves their mental health. ### **3\_ strengthening physical performance** Music therapy can be effective both in improving movement performance and in increasing the physical abilities of patients, especially those who are facing movement problems. In people who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, music therapy activities can help stimulate body movements and motor coordination. For example, playing instruments requires hand-eye coordination and can lead to the strengthening of motor skills and other physical abilities. ### 4\_ **facilitating the treatment process** Music acts as a facilitating factor in medical and psychiatric treatments. In hospitals and rehabilitation centers, a calm and pleasant environment helps patients to reduce the stress caused by treatment processes. Music can be used to relieve pain during medical treatments and facilitate the mental state of patients before and after surgery. Research has also shown that the use of music therapy in rehabilitation programs can increase the speed of patients' recovery and reduce the need for painkillers. ### **Theories and mechanisms of music therapy** Music therapy works based on several theories: 1. **Psychological Theory**: According to this theory, music is able to stimulate feelings and emotions and thus can be effective in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. 2. **Biological theory**: This theory is concerned with the physiological effects of music on the body. Music can reduce stress hormones and strengthen the immune system. 3. **Social Theory**: Music acts as a social tool that can strengthen interpersonal relationships and increase feelings of solidarity and social support. **In what disorders is music therapy used?** Music therapy is known as an effective approach in various fields of medicine and psychology. This method is increasingly used in the treatment and improvement of various physical and psychological problems. Some of the important uses of this treatment method are mentioned below: ### **1. Treatment of mental disorders** Music therapy is particularly effective for treating mental disorders such as stress and anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Music can help improve patients' mood and reduce negative emotions. Therapy sessions give patients the opportunity to express their feelings and achieve greater relaxation. ### **2. Facilitating treatment in autism spectrum disorders** Studies have shown that this type of therapy can help people with autism spectrum disorders improve their social skills. Group music activities help these people improve their social interactions, learn new communication skills, and ultimately experience a greater sense of belonging. ### **3. Rehabilitation of patients after stroke** Music therapy is very effective in the rehabilitation process of patients after stroke. Activities such as playing instruments and listening to music can help improve patients' motor and speech skills. Music exercises can help strengthen nerves and improve body movements and ultimately have a positive effect on the quality of life of patients. ### **4. Pain reduction and relief in patients with chronic diseases** Music can act as a pain relief method for people with chronic diseases such as cancer and arthritis. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce pain and reduce the need for painkillers. Music therapy helps patients suffer less stress and anxiety from pain. Music therapy is also used in the treatment of stress and anxiety with neurofeedback. ### **5. Improving sleep and reducing anxiety** Relaxing music can help improve sleep quality and reduce factors affecting sleep such as anxiety and worry. Many patients are able to relax and sleep better by playing or listening to music before bed. This solution is especially useful for people who suffer from insomnia. **Challenges and the future of music therapy** Despite the remarkable progress, music therapy still faces several challenges: 1. **Lack of transparency in methodology**: lack of specific standards in music therapy methods and the need for more research to determine the best methods. 2. **General understanding**: There is still no correct and complete understanding of music therapy in some communities and it may be viewed as an unscientific method. 3. **Further studies**: To ensure its effectiveness and acceptance by the medical community, more studies with high quality and larger sample sizes are needed. ### Conclusion Music therapy is considered as a comprehensive and effective method in the treatment of mental and physical disorders. Considering the available scientific evidence and its wide applications, it is expected that this method will receive more attention in the near future. Music therapy has wide applications that can help from the management of mental and social disorders to the rehabilitation of patients after stroke and the reduction of pain in patients with chronic diseases. This method is not only added as a complementary treatment to other medical and psychiatric methods, but it can help to create a calm and supportive atmosphere for patients. Through music, people can only express their feelings or achieve more advanced social interactions. This treatment method is implemented by experienced forces in Dr. Bayat's psychology and neurofeedback center according to international standards.