The idea of using music for healing and therapeutic practices goes all the way back to the time of Aristotle. Music therapy aims to provide physical and mental benefits for such things as depression, anxiety, stress, and pain. The limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and memories, lights up when we listen to music, producing dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure and the sensation of well-being.

Music can improve our moods, and benefit our physical and mental health in many ways:

 • It manages pain by reducing stress levels.

• It relives symptoms of depression. When you feel sad, music can lift up your spirits in the same way exercise does.

• It helps people to eat less. Soft music during the meal, can calm a person while eating.

• It stimulates memories. Music therapy has been shown to relieve some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

• It can increase workout endurance.

• It boosts motivation and energy.

There are ways you can incorporate more music in your life. You can make music and sing. Play an instrument or learn how to play, sing in the car or in the shower. Listen to music throughout the day, while you are getting ready, driving, cooking and cleaning, etc. Take a dance class. Music is powerful tool for healing, providing comfort and joy to people, providing emotional support and improving cognitive function. It truly has the ability to help us heal from physical, mental and emotional problems.

-Patricia Chirino Cabrera