Researchers have discovered something that may be a big help to cancer patients’ recovery.
It can decrease anxiety and pain and increase quality of life.
It may also benefit heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, as well as boost immune system functioning.
It’s not the latest Big Pharma drug. And it’s not even a supplement. Best of all–it’s pretty darn cheap. Even free.
It might sound a little odd, or too simple, but a review of 30 trials involving 1,891 patients provides pretty solid evidence for this particular healer: Music.
That’s right. Music could be a big player in helping cancer patients heal. Whether it’s music therapy provided by professionals or just listening to recorded music, researchers saw positive results.
Granted, explorations of the healing benefits are nothing new–you can probably think of several times in your own life when music has improved your mood or sense of well-being. If you’re thinking back to your teenage years, you probably remember finding solace in music when you were feeling oh-so-misunderstood by the world around you.
Music is already used to decrease tension and anxiety during surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. This, however, is the first time researchers have examined such a large collection of evidence.
The results of 16 of the 30 trials investigated show that music may decrease anxiety (with both cancer and heart disease patients). Six trials showed benefits to physical symptoms including moderate pain reduction.
Overall, the results were pretty darn supportive of including music as part of cancer treatment–whatever route you may take there. And even if you’re not fighting cancer, music may be just the thing to give your body and mind a boost–in fact, I’m going to go put the radio on now!
Ms. O’Brien has written for Nutrition & Healing, Healthier Talk and a variety of other natural and alternative health outlets. She believes in the power of natural medicine and her goal is to open people’s eyes to the benefits of alternative and integrative medicine.
Christine is passionate about helping people help themselves without having to turn to harsh drugs or invasive surgeries.
Latest posts by Christine O'Brien (see all)
- Could your floor be making your kids sick? - November 11, 2015
- The common food that’s linked to losing your mind - October 30, 2015
- Slash your risk for this killer cancer in half with these superfoods - October 20, 2015
