There's no question that sound has a major impact on all of us. Soft ballads soothe us, anthems stir us, heavy metal sends some of us into frenzies. It's no wonder, then, that doctors have adopted sound and music for a variety of therapeutic uses.
Music therapy can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, pain, and anxiety.
In nursing homes, it's used to boost the residents' level of physical, mental, and social functioning. You're likely to encounter music therapy in a variety of situations. Reducing stress in the hospital's intensive care unit. Relaxing infants and children. Reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.