Healing with Music

Music therapy is far from a modern concept. For centuries, cultures around the world have harnessed the power of healing music rituals to nurture the physical, spiritual and emotional health of individuals, families and even entire communities.

Yes, music can heal on an individual and a communal level.

On an individual level, it impacts our whole body. When we listen to music, almost every part of our brain lights up, affecting our emotional response and senses of pleasure, motivation and reward. It’s encoded in our brain as a rich experience because all these things are happening simultaneously. Music also affects our heart. Relaxing music slows our heart rates, lowers blood pressure and decreases muscular tension, resulting in overall relaxation.

There is one more interesting thing that affects us when we listen to music — vibration. All matter, including human beings, is in a constant state of vibration. When we engage with music, our bodies resonate with these vibrations (we practically feel them on our skin), which leads to a sense of harmony and balance.

You might wonder what types of music are known for their healing properties. Besides the handpan, which utilizes specific frequency ratios to enhance healing, classical music reigns as the most recommended genre for therapeutic purposes. Its soothing and calming qualities have been shown to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.

But as mentioned above, music can also heal us on a communal level.

Take the Ojibwe’s Big Drum practice, for example; it’s a heartfelt gathering where people come together to mourn, process grief and understand loss. Two big ideas in this ritual are wiidookodaa, which means “let’s help each other” and zhawendidaa, meaning “let’s care for one another.” This powerful connection through music is what makes it such an incredible healing tool. It encourages us to share joy and stand together in the face of difficulties.

Music is one of the strongest community builders out there. No wonder concerts never go out of style. They are shared joy, shared emotion; and we all need that.