Page 23 - Poze Magazine Volume 81

The Therapeutic Benefits of Music
Music therapy has become an
essential tool in mental health care.
Trained professionals use music to
help individuals express emotions,
process trauma, and improve
cognitive functions. Patients dealing
with depression, PTSD, and anxiety
often find solace in creating or
listening to music.
For instance, playing an instrument
or engaging in songwriting can serve
as a form of self-expression, allowing
individuals to channel their feelings
into something creative and
constructive. Music therapy sessions
can also involve guided breathing
exercises, rhythmic drumming, and
movement to enhance emotional
release and self-awareness.

How Music Affects the Brain
Neurologists have found that music
activates multiple areas of the brain,
including those responsible for
memory, emotions, and motor skills.
This is why hearing a familiar song
can evoke powerful memories or
why certain beats can make us
instinctively move.
In cases of neurodegenerative
diseases like Alzheimer’s, music has
been used to help patients recall
lost memories and enhance their
cognitive abilities. The rhythm and
structure of music engage the brain
in ways that improve focus, reduce
symptoms of mental fatigue, and
provide a sense of familiarity and
comfort