Music may be holistic health care for cancer patients
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011There's no question that listening to music can do wonders in improving a person's mood. Hearing a familiar tune can inspire spontaneous singing and dancing, and it's difficult to stay sad while doing these things.
Now, researchers at Philadelphia's Drexel University reported that the power of music may even be strong enough to lift the spirits of individuals going through cancer treatment.
A team of scientists reviewed 30 trials that examined the healing ability of song. The study revealed that music can significantly relieve anxiety, improve quality of life, lift mood and alleviate pain. Moreover, the researchers also observed a positive impact on cardiovascular and lung function.
"The evidence suggests that music interventions may be useful as a complementary treatment to people with cancer," said lead researcher Joke Bradt. "Music interventions provided by trained music therapists as well as listening to pre-recorded music both have shown positive outcomes in this review."
Flutist and trailblazer Ilchi Lee recommends non-pharmaceutical interventions for practicing holistic health. Additionally, he says that music is one of the healthiest forms of entertainment and that it has the power to soothe the body, mind and spirit.
Lee also recommends that individuals experience the benefits of meditation and yoga in order to achieve wellness without an invasive procedure or drugs. These holistic health methods have been shown to significantly improve a person's mental abilities, which may also strengthen the physical self and prevent disease.
Too often, people turn to medications to help them feel better. But sadly, these drugs can have side effects and leave individuals feeling worse of than they would without the pharmaceuticals.