Music Therapy for the Heart
Music therapy may be useful in treating the physical symptoms of heart disease, including techniques to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, music therapy can offer psychological and social support by enhancing the quality of life for people who are coping with heart disease.127,128 Music therapy is used to influence heart rate and has been shown to induce relaxation which reduces anxiety, stress and helps the treatment of pain.129 Group music making uses simple percussion instruments for tension release and creative expression. In addition, singing draws on the therapeutic benefits of harmony through listening and breathing.127
The heart is one of the body’s essential indicators of wellness and is greatly influenced by exercise and emotional response. As a result, the influence of music and music therapy in supporting healthy heart practices should not be overlooked. Music interventions have been reported to reduce physical and psychological indicators of distress in post-operative cardiac patients.130
Most current cardiac music therapy programs offer music therapy in tandem with cardiac and pulmonary activities that focus on monitoring self-care through exercise, diet and good health practices.48 Music therapy provides rhythm, an essential element related to the heart. Heart rhythms are directly influenced by mood and emotional state.131
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