Music therapists believe that rhythm on music is beneficial. Our muscles, including the heart muscle, synchronize to the beat of music. For example, some classical music approximates the rhythm of the resting heart (70 beats per minute).
This music can slow a heart that is beating too fast.
• Self-expression in music therapy can reveal subconscious thoughts and feelings and be therapeutic in the same way psychotherapy has shown to be therapeutic.
• The creative process of creating art whether it is through music, painting, sculpture, or dance can be beneficial.
Music can also help accomplish the following:
- relieve stress, apprehension, and fear
- improve mood
- lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate
- relieve depression
- relieve sleeplessness
- relieve muscle tension and provide relaxation
