From Beats to Brainwaves: How Music Therapy Impacts the Brain and Nervous System

Music therapy has long been used as a form of therapy for patients to help them cope with stress and anxiety. But have you ever wondered exactly how music therapy impacts the brain?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at how music impacts the nervous system from a neurological perspective and why it's so effective in helping patients manage their symptoms.

What are Brainwaves?

Brainwaves are electrical impulses that make up the electroencephalogram (EEG). These waves are measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents how many times per second your brainwave patterns change.

When you're awake and alert, your dominant frequency is beta waves at 12 Hz or higher, and when you're asleep, it's alpha waves at 8-12 Hz. During REM sleep, it mainly shows theta waves at 4-8 Hz, while deep meditation or hypnosis will produce delta waves below 4 Hz.

How Does Music Affect Brain Function?

Music helps in improving your communication skills. (Image via Pexels / Pixabay)

Music has a powerful effect on the brain and can be used to treat many health conditions. In fact, forms of therapy that use music have been shown to help people with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities.

While music isn't just for people with special needs, it can also improve the overall mood for anyone! When you hear a tune that makes you feel good, dopamine is released in your brain. Dopamine is one of those compounds that helps us feel happy.

Music and the Brain in Autism

Therapies that use music can help improve social interaction, communication skills, and self-regulation. It has also been shown to improve memory and learning in people with autism.

In one study of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers found that those who participated in music therapy showed increased brain activity during tasks related to social cognition.

Music for helping improve communication. (Image via Pexels / Tara Winstead)

Music Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Music therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals and clinics. Other common places include schools, nursing homes, and even your own home.

Music therapists use music to help people with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. They also work with people who have physical disabilities or injuries that make it hard for them to communicate verbally (like stroke survivors).

It improves social interaction skils. (Image via Pexels / Cottonbro studio)

Music therapy may help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) improve their social interaction skills. This is because music can be another way for them to express themselves nonverbally, which is something that is often difficult for those with ASD.

Music Can Help People with Autism, Particularly with Social Interaction

Music can also help with social interaction. For example, it can be used to improve communication skills in people with autism and other developmental concerns.

In a study involving children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers found that when they played music for the children during therapy sessions, it helped them develop more positive interactions with their caregivers than when no music was played at all.

It develops positive thoughts. (Image via Pexels / Caio)

Further, in another study conducted by the same team at University College London (UCL), researchers found that listening to classical music helped adults with ASD increase their levels of empathy towards others' emotions. This could potentially lead to better social interactions outside of therapy sessions as well!

While there's still plenty we don't know about exactly how this happens or why some people respond better than others do under certain conditions (such as whether it's because they enjoy listening to music more than others), research has shown promising results so far.

Music therapy is a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being. Whether you are listening to music, playing an instrument, or attending a live music event, there are many ways to incorporate music therapy into your life. By understanding the science behind music therapy and its many benefits, you can use music for becoming healthier and happier.

About the author

Soniya is currently working as a content specialist for the Pop section at Sportskeeda. She previously worked as an Assistant Content Manager for the Health and Fitness section.

With a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences and five years of writing experience, Soniya is driven by her passion for writing to pursue it full time. She is committed to creating content that is accurate, relevant, and ethical.

Soniya is very careful to check her facts, writes in a way that connects with her readers, and keeps a fair and private approach in her work. She excels in writing about artists, showing how their work fits into history and culture. This way, she gives readers a deeper and more interesting look at their stories.

Soniya’s favorite artists are Haruki Murakami and Sayata Murata. She likes Haruki Murakami because his books mix real life with magical stuff in a fun way. Sayaka Murata writes about normal things but in a way that makes you think differently. Both of their stories are easy to get into and stick with you long after you finish reading.

When not writing, Soniya loves to try out new art mediums to paint. The best part of her day, however, is to spend time with her orange tabby cat.

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Edited by Susrita Das