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Physical Effects of Music Therapy
The brain function physically changes in response to music. The rhythm can guide the
body into breathing in slower, deeper patterns that have a calming effect. Heart rate
and blood pressure are also responsive to the types of music that are listened to. The
heartbeat tends to speed up or slow down depending on the volume and speed of the
auditory stimulus. Louder and faster noises tend to raise both heart rate and blood
pressure; slower, softer, and more regular tones produce the opposite result. Music
can also relieve muscle tension and improve motor skills. It is often used to help
rebuild physical patterning skills in rehabilitation clinics. Levels of endorphins, natural
pain relievers, are increased while listening to music, and levels of stress hormones
are decreased. This latter effect may partially explain the ability of music to improve
immune function.
A 1993 study at Michigan State University showed that even 15 minutes of exposure
to music could increase interleukin-l levels, which heightens immunity.
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