This article’s title, “A Healing Drug,” is slightly deceptive because, of course, music is not literally a drug – at least not a physical pill we pop into our mouth that could wreak havoc on our internal organs.
Like a drug, however, music can alter our mind and mood, literally transforming our brain chemistry. Listening to relaxing music can significantly reduce stress hormones and activate regions in the brain associated with emotional and cognitive functions.
(*source: The neurochemistry of music, by Mona Lisa Chanda and Daniel J. Levitin.
http://daniellevitin.com/levitinlab/articles/2013-TICS_1180.pdf)
It’s often been said that listening to classical music while studying or working augments our productivity, memory retention and mental clarity, and most of us have experienced the elated state of well-being we enjoy when listening to pleasurable music.
Music therapy, using music for healing purposes, is a well-respected clinical field in which licensed individuals use music to promote physical rehabilitation, enhance memory, improve communication, and alleviate pain. It is used for many purposes including Alzheimer’s disease, developmental and learning disabilities in children and adults, brain injuries, and acute and chronic pain. (*source: American Music Therapy Association)
Soothing music has even been used for years in hospital neonatal wards to improve newborns’ physiological processes and promote an atmosphere of calm and well-being.
When I had to undergo surgery and was on the table ready to have the general anesthesia administered, I had my earphones on and listened to one of my favorite Enya pieces. This greatly relaxed me and filled me with a sense of optimism and serenity as I slipped out of consciousness and into surgery. I didn’t need valium or another drug to take away my anxiety or fear – just a powerful, relaxing song.