Around the world，music therapy (疗法）is being used to treat different medical conditions and illnesses. Some of the ways people use music therapy are to reduce pain, such as in childbirth or during cancer treatments, or to stimulate brain activity after an injury. Music therapy has also been successful in aiding children to overcome disabilities. Children can move their bodies with the music and stamp along to the beat.
Why is music a useful therapy? Being comforting and relaxing，music stimulates our brains. We respond to the sounds of music emotionally and physically. The complexity of music (the different tempos, rhythms，melodies and harmonies) provokes (激发）the biggest response. Thus, classical music is most typically used for therapies due to complex sounds and patterns. Although rap or hip hop might be fun to listen to, ifs unlikely that such styles of music would produce the same kind of therapeutic effect. Playing a musical instrument rather than simply listening to music can also be therapeutic for some people，helping relieve stress and anxiety.
Have scientists been able to prove that music can heal diseases? Music has been shown to reduce pain by increasing the release of endorphins (内啡肽）. Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers, and when we listen to music, our brains respond by releasing these natural painkillers. It has also been known to contribute to the brain development of the babies who have just been born and even babies still in the mother's womb. Certain types of music have also been found to lower blood pressure and slow a person’s heart rate. Many people are hopeful that music could replace the need for some medicines that are normally used to treat certain illnesses. At present, music therapy is used in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, day cares, and schools.
Although music therapy is not yet considered a mainstream treatment, it is recognized more and more as a useful addition to traditional treatment. So next time you are feeling low or stressed out, put on some relaxing music and let the music heal you.
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