Word on Health

Word on the Power of Music

Where would Christmas and the Winter Holiday season be without music  - from the Christmas carols of old to the modern classics - it frames a time of celebration and goodwill to all....but that's not all its good for...

Music for the good of our health. When  it comes to our health there is evidence to show that blood flows more easily when music is played. It can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood. It improves mood and can boost the brain's production of the hormone dopamine.

Music that makes a difference. As the UK's biggest music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins (who feature on our radio report this week - which you can hear again via the audioplayer further down this page) reminds us. 

"Music has a power unlike anything else. From your earliest moments on earth, before you are even born, you begin a powerful relationship with music. The first sound you hear is the soothing rhythm of your mother’s heartbeat.

So when a parent comes to us with a child who’s never spoken, or when a family comes to us because their mother is isolated by her dementia, we use music with the ambition to enhance and improve their lives.

Nordoff Robbins music therapists are trained to tune into each movement, reaction and expression of the people they’re working with. They can then adapt their approach and the music they’re playing to skilfully unlock potential and inspire positive emotions and interactions.

It’s not easy, but in the expert hands of our therapists, music can break through where words can’t. This isn’t just what we believe. It’s what we’ve witnessed."

To find out more about Nordoff Robbins work click here to reach their website.

Listen to this weeks radio report

All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.