Theory of Music and its Effects on Health and Wellness

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Theory of Music and its Effects on Health and Wellness Chronic diseases are a problem for the mind and body. Not only are chronic diseases harmful to the body, they take a toll on a person’s psychological wellbeing. Depression, anxiety, and stress are the most common problems associated with chronic diseases. They are harmful to the body and inhibit recovery. However, the theory of music has been proven to decrease stress, depression, and contribute to improved health. Patients with chronic diseases who listen to soothing music have shown improvement in mood, emotion, and their overall psychological state, therefore enhancing their health. In order to implement this treatment, the medical team must consider the whole patient not just the physical and emotional but their age, spiritual beliefs, and music preferences. Then, the medical team can create a customized music therapy program into the whole medical plan. There is scientific evidence that shows that listening to soothing classical music is effective in eliminating pain. This is a break-through treatment for achieving control over pain in patients. Test results show that the neurons in the amygdala and hypothalamus slow down their action potential while the patient is listening to relaxing music. In decreasing the sympathetic nervous system the parasympathetic takes over to decrease heart rate, respiration, and muscle tension. This calming effect on the immune system allows the body to relax, thereby allowing the medical staff to focus on medical intervention (Stuckey). For example, one patient who had Parkinson’s disease, it was reported that the tremors had been random and at times uncontrollable. After receiving music therapy, the tremors became mild and the patient was... ... middle of paper ... ...fore promote healing (The Futurist). There is an enormous amount of research that shows that music is soothing to the brain and the body. Patients with chronic illness, debilitating injuries or require stressful procedures can benefit from music therapy. In order to implement a prescription of music for a patient, a treatment plan needs to be made. Before a prescription can be written, the medical team needs to take into account the whole patient, physically and emotionally. The medical team needs to consider the patients age, culture, and religious beliefs. Also, consider the kind of music the patient normally listens to or finds particularly soothing. These answers will help determine the appropriate music therapy for the patient. Finally, in the interest of health and wellness for the patient, the medical team will incorporate music therapy into the medical plan.

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