Music offers many health benefits and scientific scans show that music clearly affects certain parts of the brain. Music therapy has existed for over 2000 years, Greek physicians were the first to prescribe it. There are examples throughout history and across different countries of music being used as a form of therapy.
Aside from the obvious benefit that music can lift a bad mood, there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that music therapy can be used for successful treatment. It is often applied in mental health issues, such as, cognitive functioning, emotional and affective development, behavior skills, social skills, and motor skills.
Music can affect us physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, aesthetically, and spiritually, and as such, these are the ways in which music therapy is used on patients. The patient experiences the music through singing, writing songs, listening to and analyzing music, as well as, dancing.
Music has been reportedly successful in the treatment of depression, anxiety, improved motivation and physical progress in stroke patients (when used alongside traditional therapy), and as complimentary therapy in children. There is currently research underway in determining if and how music can help with autism.
Although opinions are divided, there is a theory that music helps intellectual and emotional development in babies. The theory, known as the Mozart Effect, is attributed to enhancing IQ and improving health. According to a number of studies, playing music to babies in the womb and after birth helps in building the important neural bridges of the brain that carry information and thoughts.
Another benefit for babies is that, for some, it can be a major comfort factor. As fetuses react to sound at around 24 weeks, they will eventually be aware of and comforted by the familiar noises they hear around this time. Other research indicates that music can stimulate alpha waves in the brain, which promotes a feeling of calm in babies.
From my personal experience, I have to agree that music does indeed have a positive and calming effect on babies. My 11 month old is high maintenance, but when I put on one of her favorite songs, she is almost instantly soothed (she’s even starting to dance to the music!). Notably, I have noticed that she responds even more to music that I used to play regularly while I was pregnant with her. It may not work for all babies, but I advise every parent to give it a try.