Why do we love music and how is it important to medicine?
We love music because of how its universal nature connects us emotionally and spiritually. Expressing ourselves with this in mind can be an inspiring force for creative thinking. I also think that we can start to recognize more patterns in the relationship between music and science by expanding the range of our curiosity. The latest breakthroughs in biotechnology and medicine wouldn't have been possible without daring innovation. Possibly, music in medicine is one type of innovation we need in addressing problems relating to diseases of the body and mind. The biological relationship between music and the brain leaves much to be uncovered. There's something truly magical about how music can transform society and the human consciousness. Music's magic may be a clue into the core of the human-psyche to explore and understand on a detailed level how new music can interact with our perception of it. Music can be expressed through the human experience in stories that we have not heard yet. By understanding music's existentialist nature, we can appreciate it even more.
Music is most fundamentally associated with the auditory cortex in the brain. It was tested more with the body systems after much theoretical debate. From theory to practice, a correlation of evidence between music and the human stress response began with the neuroendocrine system and the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. One specific study tested the effects of music on the human stress response, through measures of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels, and the research demonstrated significant differences and reductions in the stress response in the participants of the study . Music's place in medicine since the 18th century gave scientists the idea that music should be seen as something to promote salvation, as written by experimental theorists like Franz Anton Mesmer who proposed the downward fluid theory as he tried to explain the nature of music in relation to the human body . Music therapy itself emerged in medicine in 1789 . Since then it has been practiced more noticeably from the 1940's to this day. Thousands of studies have tested the effects of music on mood, cancer, depression, stroke, autism, palliative care, and pain in patients. The results of these studies demonstrated more often than not, that music decreased negative symptoms.
For example, in expecting mothers music therapy had a positive effect in reducing stress by decreasing angiotensin levels . Music decreased stress in patients with long-term depression, although group-music therapy didn't quantitatively show results as effectively as one-on-one sessions with a music therapist . Music therapy decreased stress in mothers with infants who experienced anxiety and stress due to separation . Mindfulness-based stress reduction and music therapy reduced stress from pain in patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma, who were measured for sleep quality, pain, anxiety and stress by four selected commonly used indices . In mechanically ventilated patients, music reduced stress hormone levels, heart rate. respiration and pain by significant differences. In addition, music therapy intervention decreased stress experienced by adults with mild intellectual disorders to a considerable degree as reported by questionnaires and indices of specific behavioral measures.
These examples of people who have truly experienced the effectiveness of music in reducing painful symptoms show the strength of music intervention. So, we can ask more inspiring questions that will lead to a better future for patients with different physical and psychological illnesses. For example, what would happen if music was implemented on a wider scale in hospital settings? How would that affect collaboration and enthusiasm in the workplace? How would this affect the field of medicine? What kinds of discussions should we have as a community regarding music in medicine? I believe that humanity has a very long way to go to uncovering its secrets and its many benefits to modern medicine. So far, music therapy research since the 1940's might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Is there such a thing as music efficacy?
I think it should be quite necessary to explore how music can be used for healing in the music industry, other than how artists like to express themselves through their own life experiences. By taking on interesting topics and redefining creativity, healing might be easier than it is now. The healing nature of lyrics and instruments is something that I think musicians can start exploring. I am saying this because music that is beautiful to listen to, can have harmful words which may perpetuate problems that music therapy tries to alleviate. It might be important to not have toxic vocabulary in our music. I'm not saying this is right for everyone, but in some cases it can be helpful.
Why do I think this is important?
I want to break barriers surrounding the more difficult conversations regarding stigma against mental health. I believe that the individuals who label themselves in this group and also cross label in political, sexual, socioeconomic or otherwise demographically characteristic groups would benefit greatly from active music engagement. This is defined by live instrumental practice or listening to music followed by a period of time where questions about the music are given to promote active recall and deductive inference.
I have a strong foundation of musical training and an empathetic nature towards mental health. I can give evidence for the statement that instrumental music study mediates breakthroughs for recovery for some of the hardest times. Research confirms this statement as well. The one limitation to research findings on this particular topic is the lack of rigorous methodology used in experimental testing. Sometimes researchers don't use a control group or the sample size is too small or is not diverse ethnically or across sex. This specific topic is important to me because I believe that music can bridge the gap between stigma and acceptance and I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who want their voices to be heard. I'm also passionate about promoting awareness to the larger population regarding mental health disparities between countries. Some of the more challenging issues that mental health addresses may not be readily apparent to the general population. I aim to address this with greater clarity and distinction. Through promotion of evidence-based practice (EBP) of active music engagement, I hope people will be more moved to use this as a call to action.
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