In Monday’s (9/18) Guardian (U.K.), David Robson writes, “Recent research shows that more active engagement with music can be a boon for our mental and even physical health, with benefits that go far beyond the temporary mood boost of hearing our favorite song. The scientists behind these results describe the new field as ‘music medicine,’ with the prescription of playlists a treatment for common ills…. The academic literature tends to distinguish ‘music medicine’ from ‘music therapy.’ The latter requires the participation of a trained expert and may involve playing an instrument, composing, or improvising. Music medicine is far easier to roll out: it involves listening to recorded music and can be done by yourself…. The creative expression of music therapy produces the most consistent benefits, but multiple studies confirm that the mere act of listening can be an effective treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and physical pain. Two trials have even found that a regular prescription of music can reduce the blood pressure of people with hypertension … The most effective treatments for depression involved at least 60 minutes a week of mindful listening, for instance, while blood pressure was reduced with a regimen of 25-minute sessions daily for one month.”
