Research has showed that music can affect brain cells and some types can even improve intelligence
. It's mood enhancer is a well known fact and taking the advantage of these effects of music an alternative therapy has emerged which believes in curing many ailments through music.
The power of music rests in the fact that it is understood intuitively hence it is a common language for the entire human race. No reason or logic or any kind of intellect required to listen to music. Even animals respond to it. Crying babies calm down when made to hear soft music.
Music is commonly used in psychological healing. Various psychological disorders like acute depression, schizophrenia, panic and anxiety disorders are said to benefit from music. The treatment for severe developmental disorder known as Autism which commonly affects children in the age group of 0 to 3 years also uses music as part of therapy.
Patients recovering from brain injuries have also known to benefit through music. Since when we listen to music we are only focusing on the sound and hardly using the brain we reach a different state of consciousness where the mind is completely relaxed and rested and at this stage the therapists start the healing process. Individuals can benefit tremendously when they meditate concentrating.
It must be mentioned that not all music is healing and also the correct environment has to be created for it to be effective. You cannot lock somebody in a room and make them listen to loud music for treatment. There are times that the military uses music at high decibels for psychological warfare. Since music is understood differently by different people the same music cannot be used for therapy for all.
However the effects of music prove how powerful a tool it can be.