Music is an indispensable companion in human life. Besides providing relaxation and entertainment, it has a profound impact on the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Numerous studies worldwide have shown that effectively incorporating music into our lives can lead to an optimistic, life-loving, and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, it proves to be highly effective in alleviating neurological and psychological disorders. Join Insmart in exploring the healing power of music through the following article!

I. What is music therapy?

Music is an art form that utilizes vocal elements and sounds to express various emotions and feelings of individuals. Everything around us, from the sound of flowing water, bird songs, door noises, engine sounds, foot tapping, to applause, can create music

Music therapy is a therapeutic method that harnesses the natural mood-improving properties of music to help individuals enhance overall health through activities such as composing melodies, writing lyrics, singing, dancing, listening to music, and discussing music.

According to studies, this therapeutic approach is beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions such as depression, Alzheimer’s, or anxiety, and it can also improve the quality of life for those facing physical health challenges. Anyone can experience and benefit from this therapy, even if they have no background knowledge of music.

II. Benefits of Music for Mental Health

Regardless of whether you sing, play a musical instrument, or simply listen to music, all contribute positively to mental well-being. Music acts like a tonic, uplifting and enhancing mental health.

1. Boosts Happiness:

When listening to a favorite song, the brain releases dopamine, an organic chemical produced from tyrosine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the brain and body, making us feel happier and more joyful. To improve mood, all you need to do is listen to your favorite music for about 15 minutes. Enjoying beloved songs helps people relax and provides numerous enjoyable experiences.

2. Reduces Stress and Worries:

Listening to gentle sounds triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, and norepinephrine. These hormones help reduce cortisol levels in the body, providing a comfortable feeling and helping escape the body’s stress response. They also aid in lowering blood pressure and heart rate, promoting a relaxed state. Another study indicates that engaging in music composition or playing musical instruments enhances the development of the immune system compared to simply sitting and listening to music.

3. Improves Sleep:

Many people find that music, or even white noise, helps them sleep better. Research has indicated that music therapy can be beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders or insomnia caused by depression. Music helps improve sleep by soothing parts of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in slower breathing, lower heart rate, and reduced blood pressure. Music can diminish the impact of environmental noise, enhancing comfort and tranquility in the sleep environment.

4. Prevents Depression:

Studies suggest that music therapy can be an effective part of depression treatment. The highest effectiveness of music therapy for individuals with depression is achieved when combined with traditional treatment methods (such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy). When used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, music therapy can help alleviate obsessive thoughts, depression, and anxiety in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

5. Pain Reduction:

When experiencing physical pain, the body can release chemicals that cause inflammation and worsen the pain. Listening to soothing music can trigger the release of endorphins, a happiness hormone, which helps counteract the effects of these inflammation-causing hormones and alleviate pain. Numerous studies worldwide have shown that pain centers are diminished when exposed to music. Music activates sensory pathways comprehensively, disrupting the transmission of pain sensations while redirecting the brain’s cognitive focus toward the music.

6. Enhances Memory:

Music enhances brain activity in Alzheimer’s patients. Our brain is controlled by blood vessels to connect music with long-term memory. Specific brain regions related to memory are activated by listening to familiar melodies, improving mood, orientation, memory recall for both distant and recent events, attention, executive function, and overall cognition.

7. Improves Cancer Conditions:

For cancer patients, the mental pain is just as significant as the physical pain they endure. Therefore, cancer patients need care and support from various sources to stabilize their mental health. Music therapy helps reduce anxiety in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and assists them in coping with chemotherapy side effects such as nausea. Additionally, music therapy can provide psychological benefits for individuals experiencing depression after a cancer diagnosis, during, and after the treatment process.

8. Enhances Social Interaction:

Participating in music and movement activities in a group helps develop and refine social skills. Through music, individuals can understand each other’s emotions, thoughts, and moods, fostering connections and bonds.

III. Types of Music that Improve Mental Health

Music is a wonderful way to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Each person may have their preferred music genres that bring them comfort. However, according to many experts, the genres you enjoy might not necessarily be the most effective stress-reducing methods. Below are some music genres rated as highly effective for stress reduction:

1. Classical Music (Baroque):

Baroque music, specifically music with an alpha brainwave frequency, directly affects the human brain and emotions. With a rhythm of 60 beats per minute, it helps synchronize heart rate, blood pressure, and brainwaves with the music. The slowed heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and increased alpha brainwaves (suitable for learning and memory) contribute to body regulation, stabilizing the heartbeat, and reducing stress and tension.

2. Natural Sounds:

Peaceful sounds from nature, such as bird songs or flowing water, serve as signals of safety, inducing relaxation and tranquility. Researchers suggest that these sounds have the ability to restore mental well-being, alter the brain’s cognitive mechanisms, and reduce the natural “fight-or-flight” instinct in humans. Therefore, immersing oneself in nature, listening to surrounding sounds is an effective solution to dispel worries and fatigue, promoting inner peace and calmness.

3. Meditation Music:

Combining music with meditation is a method many people use to heal the soul. The characteristic of meditation music includes a slow tempo that can influence brain waves, reduce heart rate, and alleviate anxiety and stress. This helps individuals let go of worries and instills inspiration for a cheerful and optimistic spirit. When listening to meditation music, one can feel a sense of tranquility, and time seems to pass slowly, providing ample space for positive contemplation.

4. Instrumental Music:

Instrumental music has the potential to affect both the body and soul, aiding in emotional regulation and reducing stress-inducing hormones. The calming melodies induce a state of serenity, allowing both body and soul to unwind, and thoughts to become more comfortable and insightful. Importantly, instrumental music also contributes to enhancing memory, alertness, intelligence, and is beneficial for heart health. The absence of lyrics in instrumental music provides a calming atmosphere, promoting inner peace and relaxation.

Reference: prudential.com.vn; tamlyvietphap.vn; duyendangvietnam.net.vn & kenh14.vn

 

 IV. Health Screening Programs administration service

Insmart is a leading provider of Health screening program administration services in Vietnam. With the goal of ensuring sustainability for the health of businesses and employees, we are committed to providing comprehensive amenities to support customers before, during, and after health check-ups, ensuring that customers receive attentive and thorough care throughout the service usage process.

With over 13 years of experience working with medical providers and an extensive network across many provinces and cities, Insmart has been providing professional, convenient, and superior Health screening program administration solutions. Through this service, we offer comprehensive health check-up programs, helping save manpower in screening and consolidating medical costs, enjoying preferential rates for high-quality medical examination and treatment services at medical providers, thereby enhancing the employee welfare experience within the company.

Dear Companies and Businesses planning regular health screening programs for employees, please contact us via email: mkt@insmart.com.vn for detailed consultation on organizing the program.

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Marketing department – Insmart Joint Stock Company