Music and our Wellbeing

The Healing Power of Music: Tune Into Your Wellbeing

Ever put on a song and felt your mood lift instantly? Or cried over a melody that spoke to your soul? That’s not just nostalgia or drama—it’s science-backed healing. Music is one of the most accessible, joyful, and powerful tools we have to support our emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing.

In today’s fast-paced world, music might just be the wellness ritual we all need more of. Let’s dive into the magic of music healing, its ancient roots, modern science, and how you can use it to bring more calm, joy, and balance into your life.

A Little History: Music as Medicine

Long before Spotify playlists and surround sound, ancient cultures were using music to heal. From Native American drumming rituals to the soothing chants of Vedic India, music has been used to calm the mind, connect communities, and restore balance.

Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle believed music could shape the soul. In ancient Egypt, it was used in healing temples. Traditional Chinese medicine used specific tones to balance the organs.

Fast-forward to today, and music is now used in clinical settings—from hospitals to therapy rooms—to support healing and recovery (Bradt & Dileo, 2009).

So, What Does Music Actually Do to Us?

Research shows that music has the power to:

• Reduce stress hormones – Listening to relaxing music lowers cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer (Thoma et al., 2013).
  

• Slow heart rate and breathing – Certain tempos help regulate our nervous system.
  

• Trigger feel-good chemicals – Music can release dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin (Chanda & Levitin, 2013).
  

• Improve sleep – Calming sounds before bed can help ease insomnia and improve sleep quality.
  

• Boost mood and motivation – Upbeat music can lift your spirits or energize your workout.
  

• Express emotions safely – Music provides a non-verbal outlet to process feelings and trauma.
  

Pretty impressive for something you can access at the tap of a button, right?

The Science of Frequencies and Sound Healing

Different sound frequencies are believed to influence brainwaves and promote healing. For example:

• 432 Hz is often considered a natural frequency of the universe. It's said to promote emotional tranquility and clarity.
  

• 528 Hz, known as the “Love Frequency,” is believed to help repair DNA and stimulate transformation and healing (Horowitz, 2011).
  

• Binaural beats, which present two slightly different frequencies in each ear, can help induce brain states like deep relaxation (delta waves) or focused attention (beta waves) (Lane et al., 1998).
  

Though more research is needed, many practitioners and listeners report deep states of calm and healing when regularly exposed to specific frequencies.

Music Therapy vs. Music as Self-Care

Music therapy is a structured, professional form of treatment offered by trained therapists—especially useful for those navigating trauma, autism, Alzheimer’s, or depression.

But even outside therapy rooms, everyday music listening can be deeply healing. Whether you're singing in the shower, dancing in your kitchen, or crying to a soulful ballad—that’s music medicine in motion.

How to Use Music for Your Wellbeing

Here are some accessible, science-backed ways to integrate music into your life:

• Create a healing playlist – Include songs that calm you, uplift you, or help you release emotion.
  

• Try binaural beats or nature sounds – These can aid focus, meditation, or deep relaxation.
  

• Move with music – Dance, walk, or stretch to your favorite tunes to release tension and boost endorphins.
  

• Sing your heart out – Singing improves breathing, posture, and mood—even if it’s just in your car.
  

• Play an instrument – You don’t need to be a pro—strumming, drumming, or noodling can be deeply meditative.
  

• Unplug with sound baths – Explore sound healing practices like crystal bowls or gongs for a deep nervous system reset.
  

Fun Facts About Music & Healing

• Music therapy is now recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a legitimate form of mental health support.
  

• Studies show music can light up more areas of the brain than almost any other activity (Zatorre et al., 2007).
  

• Hospitals often use music to help reduce pain perception and anxiety in patients before surgery.
  

• Even babies in the womb respond to music—especially lullabies and heartbeat rhythms.
  

My Personal Picks for Music Healing

Here are some ways I use music in my own wellbeing routine:

• Morning Vibes: Lo-fi beats or acoustic sunrise playlists help me ease into the day.
  

• Afternoon Energy Slump? I throw on a fun, dancey playlist and move for 10 minutes. Works better than coffee!
  

• Evening Unwind: Soft piano or ambient tracks help me shift gears, breathe deeper, and prepare for rest.
  

• Mindfulness Moments: I use binaural beats or nature soundscapes during meditation or journaling.
  

Whether you're healing a heavy heart, calming a racing mind, or just trying to stay grounded, remember this: music is medicine. No side effects. No prescription needed. Just press play, breathe deep, and let the healing begin.

References:

• Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2009). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

• Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179–193.

• Horowitz, L. G. (2011). The Book of 528: Prosperity Key of Love. Tetrahedron.

• Lane, J. D., Kasian, S. J., Owens, J. E., & Marsh, G. R. (1998). Binaural auditory beats affect vigilance performance and mood. Physiology & Behavior, 63(2), 249–252.

• Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156.

• Zatorre, R. J., Chen, J. L., & Penhune, V. B. (2007). When the brain plays music: Auditory–motor interactions in music perception and production. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 8(7), 547–558.