Music Therapy's Role in Relaxation

In the vibrant city of Adelaide, amid the artistic streets and urban clamour, lies an avenue for tranquillity and calm — music therapy. Music therapy is an allied health profession, which utilises the psychology and science behind how music is processed in the brain to address non-musical goals. One such goal is supporting people to manage anxiety and stress through music assisted relaxation.

The Scientific Underpinnings of Music Therapy for Relaxation

Numerous studies have highlighted the intricate relationship between music and human physiology, revealing its impact on both emotional and physical well-being. Research indicates that music, via the nervous system, can help reduce muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and brain wave rates – all important elements of relaxation. In 2011 a cochrane review of the scientific literature found that music listening had a moderate anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effect for people receiving cancer care.

Armed with the knowledge that music can help calm and relax in the midst of life’s most challenging circumstances, music therapists across Adelaide are teaching people how they can most effectively utilise music to help manage stress and achieve deep relaxation. However, not all music is equal when it comes to promoting a relaxation response. When working towards a goal of relaxation music therapists will typically use music that is:

Predictable

Slow

Steady

Enjoyable

Repetitive

Music Therapy for Relaxation: A Case Study

Jane saw Music Therapist, Anneliis in a cancer care facility. She was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and as a palliative care patient, was identified by the medical team as someone who may benefit from music therapy. Her sessions often included music assisted relaxation. Jane would select music from choices offered to her. These were carefully selected by Anneliis to be pieces of music that contained relaxation promoting qualities. With either recorded or live music playing gently in the background, Jane was guided through a variety of relaxation processes each week including muscle relaxation, calming imagery and mindfulness. Here’s what Jane said about the experience:

“I call it a spa for the mind. It slows me down and gives me the opportunity to collect my thoughts, unwind and really focus on myself. Like many people I don’t leave a lot of time for me. I find the music therapy extremely beneficial, not only for the relaxation but the practical advice and counselling offered.”

Why is Relaxation Important?

Relaxation has a significant impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion and respiratory rate. The ANS consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes relaxation and restoration.

When we engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or listening to calming music, it stimulates the PNS. This activation leads to a decrease in sympathetic activity (fight and flight response) and an increase in parasympathetic activity (rest and digest response), resulting in a shift towards a state of physiological equilibrium. This balance is important for our health and well-being, allowing the body to respond appropriately to stressors whilst also promoting rest and recovery.

Enhancing Relaxation with Music Therapy in Adelaide

In the heart of Adelaide, amid the ebb and flow of city life, music therapy can both promote and enhance experiences of relaxation, which exert a beneficial influence on the autonomic nervous system.

For more information on how music therapy can benefit you, your child, or your client, please don't hesitate to reach out to Adelaide based Music Therapist, Anneliis Way, today. She believes that music makes life better and looks forward to sharing the relaxation promoting qualities of music with you.