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Here in the west there seems to be an outbreak of stress and anxiety. Experts tell us the figures are high and rising. Good news for those in the stress relief industry! No wonder their products are burgeoning Some 'solutions' are better than others, but one that's tried and tested, and is very effective, is music therapy. It's good for kids and parents alike -and it even works on some pets! The beneficial effects of music therapy go way back in folklore and beyond. It's mentioned in Greek myths, and even in the Bible (when David plays his harp to soothe his troubled king). So What Exactly Is Music Therapy? Broadly, music therapy falls into two categories: playing music and listening to music. The latter involves listening to music in order to relieve panic, anxiety or stress - and to help the listeners regain control of their lives. Meditation is often used with music therapy, and through a combination of listening, correct breathing and guided imagery, we can tap into the deeper levels of the subconscious mind. This affects not only our hormonal balance, but our moods and general health. How Does Music Have This Effect? Psychologists tell us music works on a very subtle subconscious level. In particular they refer to the beat, or rhythm, of the music. They point to the fact that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure within the womb, and the most reassuring sound was that of the mother's heart beat. The slow, rhythmic pulse of relaxing music may reflect the feelings first enjoyed when our lives were stress and anxiety-free. Thus we can withdraw for a while from the causes of our stress and anxiety to an imaginary place of refuge and safety. Selecting appropriate music for therapy and stress relief may not be as simple as it sounds. You need to choose prudently. Indeed, the 'wrong' music can promote stress instead of alleviating it! Picking music you like can work in some circumstances, but not necessarily for deep stress relief meditation. And listening to 'relaxing' music that you hate, convinced that it will 'do you good', can work against you. Fortunately, professional music therapists can guide us here. They recommend music that has a rhythm of less than 72 beats per minute - that's slower than the heart beat. If the music goes in cycles or repeating segments, so much the better. Some of the best music for stress relief is to be found in: * Classical pieces * Celtic * Native American * New Age Remember, though, that the various genres of music can bring about different results: When you're lonely and blue, steer clear of weepy country songs! If you're stressed and your brain is over-active, hard rock could be the last thing you need. On the other hand, if you've had a particularly boring day at the office, heavy metal could be the best music therapy for you - provided you like it, of course! When you've to do something on your own and it threatens you, music from your childhood or teenage years can be highly reassuring. If it's relaxation you're after, instrumental music with flutes, bass drums and even sounds from nature - bird song, ocean waves, rustling leaves, etc. - are your best bet. These all have an extraordinarily calming effect. How To Get The Best From Your Music Therapy Sessions These tips will help you get the most from your music therapy: * Find a quiet, relaxing spot where you can be undisturbed for at least 20 minutes * Relax, either sitting or lying down * Or you may prefer to walk in a restful, quiet environment while listening to your iPod or CD player. This can also combine regular, deep breathing and exercise * Choose music that's appropriate for your needs; many commercially produced music is ideal for different situations and is often combined with meditations (e.g. on stress relief, on boosting confidence and self-esteem, etc.) * Make a point of doing this several times a week, or daily if you can. When you are really into music therapy you'll notice great all-round improvement in your physical, mental and spiritual health. You'll look back and wish you discovered it earlier!
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Before buying any stress relief products check Frank McGinty's StressReliefGold, and pick up your FREE report, Beat Stress - And Start Living. Also, get info on your FREE stress-busting 20-minute meditation, The Secret Garden. Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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