Currently, music is used for therapeutic purposes in various health and academic settings to benefit the health and well-being of individuals. Music therapy is a form of therapy that leverages music to improve both the physical and mental health of individuals, being especially relevant in the case of children due to its ability to facilitate communication, relationships, learning, and movement, promoting holistic development.
Music is capable of activating different brain areas simultaneously, allowing the brain to engage the emotional, cognitive, and physical domains at the same time, thus providing the possibility to address a wide range of physical and mental conditions. The World Federation of Music Therapy defines this approach as "the use of music and/or musical elements by a qualified music therapist with a patient or group of patients, with the purpose of addressing physical, emotional, mental, social, and cognitive needs."
There are two main techniques within music therapy: active, where the patient creatively participates through singing, composition, dancing, or instrumental performance; and receptive, where the individual focuses on listening to music selected by the therapist to achieve specific goals, such as reducing stress or improving sleep quality. In both cases, the therapist tailors the sessions according to the patient's needs and preferences, thus creating a personalized therapeutic environment.
Music therapy has proven beneficial in treating a wide variety of physical and mental disorders, being especially useful in cases of emotional disorders, sleep disorders, stress, pain, physical rehabilitation, improving coordination and balance, strengthening the immune system, stimulating cognitive functions, and fostering social interaction. Through music, patients can experience significant improvements in their overall well-being and develop skills that help them cope with the challenges of daily life.
