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We're told that in the western world today the majority of people suffer from some degree of stress or other. If this is so, no wonder finding solutions to stress is a growth industry. Thankfully, many of these solutions are highly effective, and none more so than music therapy. Stress relief in both adults and children - even in some pets! - has been greatly enhanced by music therapy.

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?

There are different types of music therapy. Some involve playing music, but we'll focus on the type that involves listening to music for the purpose of helping the listener to relax and be calm, and so gain anxiety and stress relief.

This goes hand in hand with meditation, and involves such techniques as deep breathing and mental imagery. It's known that music works on many levels of the brain and significantly changes moods and hormone functions.

What Makes Music Work In This Way?

Psychiatrists are of the opinion the beat or rhythm of the music penetrates deeply into the subconscious, and there it triggers associations of safety, warmth and security. That's because before birth a baby is surrounded by the security of the womb and the predominant sound is the mother's beating heart.

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.

So why not listen to the advice from the experts in this field? They say the most effective stress relief music is that which has a slightly slower rhythm than the heart beat, which is around 72 beats per minute. Repetitive patterns also have a calming effect.

Some of the best music for stress relief is to be found in:

* Classical

* Celtic music

* Native American

* New Age

Bear in mind that different styles of music can affect the mind differently:

Sad country music won't make you feel better if you're already feeling down!

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!

If you're in a situation where you have to 'go it alone' and that scares you, listening to familiar music from your childhood or youth can be very comforting and supportive.

Listening to the music of nature - a babbling brook, birds singing or leaves whispering in the breeze - is a great way to induce a stress-relieving relaxed state. And instrumental music like flutes coupled with bass drums can work wonders.

The Best Way To Enjoy Music Therapy

Try these tips for great music therapy time-out:

* Find a quiet, relaxing spot where you can be undisturbed for at least 20 minutes

* Sit or lie in a restful state

* Or you may choose to stroll in a secluded place and listen to your mp3 or CD player; this way you get the additional benefits of fresh air and exercise

* Remember to choose music that suits your particular requirements; you may like to consider music with guided meditations on themes such as self-motivation, stress relief, decision making

* The more often you can do this the better; every day is ideal

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!