The MedS Alliance

Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

Review Article
Impact of Music on Mental Health
Ramesh Pokharel1*
1Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

ARTICLE INFO ABSTARCT

Article history: INTRODUCTION: Music affects our brain at different levels. Our mood changes with
Received: 11 April 2021 different types of music. However, at a very deep level, its effect is similar to that of
Revised: 21 May 2021 deep meditation. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of music
Accepted: 3 June 2021
on mental health. This paper explores, how daily listening and practising of music
affects our body and mind. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative method
*Correspondence:
Ramesh Pokharel|Ph. D.
based on personal experience and document review method was used in this
Associate Professor research. Relevant and related literatures were searched through different search
Tribhuvan University, engines to draw the conclusion. RESULTS: Different systematic experimentations
Kathmandu, Nepal, have shown that music practice cultivates the life of a human being. Music as yoga is
E-mail: a combination of breathing exercises and physical activities. CONCLUSIONS:
[email protected] Music has valuable, powerful and important role in happiness, managing mental
stress, and for providing relief to the mind.
Citation:
Impact of Music on Mental
Keywords: Body and mind, music, self-consciousness, yoga
Health. MedS. J. Med. Sci.
2021;1(1):101-106

INTRODUCTION
Music has a lot of power and makes a place in the unbounded joy and happiness, wherein at this state,
minds of people in many ways [1]. It has a music enables a man to enjoy the inherent beauty of
thoughtful effect on everyone's life, from humans to nature and the inspiring calmness of the soul as
plants, flowers, birds, animals and others [2]. It is well [9]. On the other hand, it is a science concerned
also important for caring and entertaining illness with the systematic management of sound at all
[3]. Its usage have been very successful in the levels in the Universe [10]. Happiness, freshness
treatment of different diseases. Sound has an and fresh mind are necessary for every human
important role in our lives and we are surrounded being whereas strong and healthy mind can do
by different sounds having different effects [4]. everything in this world [11]. A good music practice
Eastern classical music is born from this is fruitful for making a healthy mind and body
understanding of sound [5]. The vibrations of which causes a good thought [12]. It helps us a lot
sound and its effect on consciousness have been a for healthy lifestyle and for leading a better life.
matter of great mystery from the time when early Music can play a valuable role in recovery from
human walked on the face of the earth. The anahata mental illness [13]. It can stimulate emotional and
concept refers to silent vibrations of self, which are aesthetic responses, develop creative, technical,
thought to be so closely associated with one's self social and vocational skills, improve expression,
and the self that a person cannot share their anahata communication, confidence and self-esteem, and
with another human being [6]. In other words, this facilitate positive changes in behavior and well-
inner sound, silent vibration of the self, is sacred being [14].
and once reached will open the practitioner's Music listening and music making have been
chakras, which ultimately will unite the body to the associated with a broad range of positive outcomes
divine/cosmos [7]. in the domains of health and well-being [15]. The
Music is the combination of science and art and our most widely studied effects of music are the
voice is the form of sound [8]. Motion in each breath calming and stress reducing effects [16,17]. For
expresses a rhythm. The purpose of music is not decades, music has been used as an intervention for
just to entertain. On one hand it awakens the stress reduction, such as music activities (like
aesthetic consciousness dealing with expression of singing or music making) [18], music listening for a
one’s feeling and emotions and grants on him

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Pokharel R

certain patient group (‘music as medicine’), and live

music therapy offered by music therapists [19]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Music is a language by itself and is capable of Listening Music
expressing refined thoughts and refined ideas [20]. Music is a major necessity of our life. Its study and
There are different types or genres of music practice gives taste, grace, attraction, gentleness and
practices worldwide, which we can enjoy according fine-tuning to a person. It develops the creamy
to our need and requirement. It is also the best way qualities of human kindness and sympathy. A
to practice yoga and meditation, to improve composer expresses his ideas through the medium
physical and mental health [21]. It fills our mind of musical sounds. It is one of the joys of humanity.
with art, and every great invention requires art, The monotony, boring and routine character of life
creativity and imagination [22]. It develops our are considerably relieved by listening to a good
brain and the abilities associated with it. It is music. It is common mother-tongue of humanity,
beneficial for developing skills of children and universal language of feeling and a great unifying
other age group individuals. Music therapy helps in force. While listening to music that you know and
curing dangerous and some chronic diseases [23]. like, it tends to cause the strongest brain response
The emotional appeal of music transfers to the and release of dopamine. Unfamiliar melodies may
mental and physiological dimensions leading to its stimulate your brain, while providing a new source
therapeutic effect [24]. It is said that certain eastern of pleasure as you get used to hearing them. It can
classical ragas are capable of curing illnesses. Music be utilized to regulate mood. Because of its
cure was known not only in ancient times but even rhythmic and repetitive aspects, music engages
today. Some doctors use it to alleviate pain during the neocortex of our brain, which calms us and
certain painful treatment and also to help the reduces impulsivity. We often utilize music to
patients towards a speedy recovery [25]. Thus, match or alter our mood. While there are benefits to
aesthetic could serve the same purpose as matching music to our mood, it can potentially
anesthetic in removing pain, but without having keep us stuck in a depressive, angry or anxious
any adverse effect on the speed of recovery. But we state. To alter mood states, a music therapist can
should be careful about what type of music we are play music to match the current mood of the person
listening to. For example, there are some songs and then slowly shift to a more positive or calm
which have impolite language or rude words which state. A person receiving music therapy is
should not be heard by the children, otherwise they encouraged to offer insight, alternative lyrics and
will keep them in their mind which is not at all tangible tools or themes from lyrics. We all have a
good for them. But overall, it is very beneficial for song that we deeply connect to and appreciate and
all of us and should be included in everyone’s daily lyric analysis provides an opportunity for an
life. individual to identify song lyrics that may correlate
Music is an international language. It has no with their experience. Research shows the benefits
barriers of religion, race, caste, class, faith or of music therapy for various mental health
philosophy. When music comes to be entirely conditions, including depression, trauma and
practiced, there will be far less corruption, crime in schizophrenia. Listening to familiar music comforts
this world and the earth will be a cheerier place to you and evokes positive memories and associations.
live in [26]. The objective of this study was to
If you are 'unhappy then try to listening or making new
deeply highlight, the impact of music on mental music' to improve your mood or relieve feelings of
health.
depression. These activities not only provide
physical exercise, but they can also relieve stress
MATERIALS AND METHODS and build social connections also stimulate your
brain. Music literally changes the brain.
Overall impact of music was analyzed with a
Neurological researchers have found that listening
qualitative approach. This was a descriptive and
to music triggers the release of several
analytical study based on secondary sources of
neurochemicals that play a role in brain function
information. Relevant books, articles, journals,
and mental health.
websites, research reports were the sources of this
A particular song can make us feel happy, sad,
study.
energetic or relaxed. Because music can have such
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an impact on an individual’s mindset and well- done regularly, it can be another option of
being, it should come as no surprise that music medicines. It also reduces the side effects of heavy
therapy has been studied for use in managing medicines consumed daily. The best time to do
numerous medical conditions. Types of music differ yoga like ‘pranayama’ is in the morning, as it
in the types of neurological stimulation they evoke. provides a better environment to control the body
For example, eastern classical music has been found and mind.
to cause comfort and relaxation while rock, pop Music is a companion to yoga that can invoke many
music may lead to discomfort. Music may achieve emotions. Hearing a song or a melody can easily
its therapeutic effects in part by elevating the pain make us happy or sad. Thus, what we listen to
threshold. Whether an individual is passively when we are exercising is very important, as it
listening to music, playing an instrument or singing affects the depth and the effectiveness of our
a song; there indeed is a healing power of music. practice. Meditation, relaxation and stress release
Music exerts a powerful influence on human are important for our health. It affects brain at
beings. It can boost memory, build task endurance, different levels. Our moods change with different
lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, types of music. However, at a very deep level, its
stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain effect is similar to that of deep meditation. Probably
and help you work out more effectively. it is a reason why all great religions have stressed
music as a means for praying and meditation.
Yoga with music Music provides the best way of expressing emotion.
Musical sound and musical experience are steps to It is necessary that the words of a song are the
the realization of “Self”. Our tradition teaches us linguistic translation of the emotions. Even without
that sound is God—Nāda Brahma. We view music the involvement of any vocal expression of
as a kind of spiritual discipline that rises one’s inner language, the sounds and melody of music can
being to divine peacefulness and bliss. The highest convey their emotions. The flow of music expresses
aim of music is to reveal the essence of the universe itself even in the absence of an audience. Listening
it reflects and the Rāgas are among the means by to the music of nature - a babbling brook, birds
which this essence can be apprehended. Thus, singing or leaves whispering in the breeze - is a
through music, one can reach God. Since the ancient great way to induce a stress-relieving relaxed state.
ages, Nada yogis skilled in music have united South And instrumental music like flutes coupled with
Asia’s speedily developing musical system with the bass drums can work wonders. Better health,
sound cosmology and philosophy of Tantra and the improved relationships, enhanced moods and stress
Vedas. relief are some of the benefits of music therapy [28].
In music, emphasis is placed on the purity of Music has a great effect on the mental state of
vowels, while in yoga-shastra, postures are human beings as it brings peace, concentration and
emphasized. The goal of happiness and health can relaxation, which are the principles of yoga and
be found only by the excellence of voice and meditation. Similarly, yoga techniques such as
posture in both. From this point of view, both are breath control and mental concentration also have
harmonizing to each other for healthy mind and their connection to vocal music. Many professional
body. singers do practice regular yoga and pranayama to
Music itself is like yoga. It makes us happy and also keep their voice in perfect shape. Ultimately, the
sustains hormonal balance in our body and helps us connection between yoga and music is one of a
to keep our body fit both physically and spiritually. shared philosophy [29], and not just a
It also works to keep us from mental problems. circumstantial one.
Nowadays there is a need to practice yoga to The power of music is unquestionable. It moves us.
improve people's lives. The practice of yoga and But its effects go far beyond our surface experience
music in daily life provides internal and external of song and rhythm. If you have been to a
strength to the body. It is the restriction of symphony performance, you have heard the
fluctuation of consciousness (Feuerstein 1989). It musicians simultaneously tuning their instruments
helps to strengthen the body's resistance system, to the same note before they begin playing together.
thus protecting against various diseases. If yoga is If one instrument is slightly out of tune, the other

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instruments pull that instrument into tune, in a Sacred Sound

seemingly magical but actually natural In fact, the nerve center of yoga is the word “AUM”
phenomenon known as "entrainment," the process or ‘OM’, believed to be the first ever sound in the
of waveforms are coming into sync. The result is a universe. The chanting of these word brings in the
harmonious expression of sound. soothing effect of music. However, it is only in the
We discover a deeper connection to our self and recent years that music has found its way into yoga
others when we focus on the rhythm of our breath. classes and practices. The type of music depends on
Sit next to a friend or loved one and quietly notice the kind of yoga being practiced, but care should be
how quickly our breathing falls into sync. We may taken to ensure that the music supports the practice
also try placing one hand on our heart and one rather than cause distraction. The choice of music is
hand on theirs to feel how quickly our heartbeats very critical to the practice, as the practitioner
fall into rhythm. Pick a favorite song and do a ‘sun should feel the music rather than hear it.
salutation’ while aligning your breath with the As per the scriptural descriptions, often the vision
rhythm of the song. Notice how your mood and of the syllables for subtle sounds (Nada) in the
energy shifts when you create this kind of rhythmic etheric ocean had been revealed to the rishis
alignment. (eastern sages of the Vedic times) through an
Scientists are taking advantage of new technologies afflatus or intuition in their inner selves or the
to see exactly what goes on inside the brains of mantras were just ‘heard’ by them in a state of
Nada-Yoga practitioners. The neuroscientists trance. The phonemes of the Vedic hymns and the
hypothesize that regular meditation actually alters seven fundamental nodes – Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha,
the way the brain is wired and that these changes Ni of eastern classical music have originated
could be at the heart, of claims that musical (distinctly recognized by the Rishis) from the
meditation can improve health and well-being. But vibrations of the sublime sound of “Om” in the
the rigors of the scientific method might never have nature. The Vedic quote –‘Ekoham Bahusyami’
been applied to studying the practice of meditation. implies that all the sounds, all the energies, all the
Psychologists tell that music works on a very subtle motions and everything existing in the universe
subconscious level. In particular they refer to the have originated from the vibrations of this single
beat or rhythm of the music. They point to the fact anahata nada. This is the source of the
that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure manifestation of the Shabda-Brahma and the Nada
within the womb and the most reassuring sound Brahma [30].
was that of the mother's heartbeat. The slow, As we go deeper in our practice, we develop a
rhythmic pulse of relaxing music may reflect the deeper state of awareness, a kind of inner listening
feelings first enjoyed when our lives were stress that allows us to touch a perfect harmony within.
and anxiety-free. Thus, we can withdraw for a Eventually we can align ourselves with the most
while from the causes of our stress and anxiety to subtle vibration of the universe, what yogis and
an imaginary place of refuge and safety [30]. mystics have described for millennia as the sound
Music can be classified into 3 types, Satvic (mode of of Om. This is the experience of music and yoga. It
goodness), Raajasik (mode of passion), Taamasik is profound and yet profoundly simple. It is
(mode of ignorance). To get peaceful mind one has perhaps the sweetest kind of journey, because it is
to try to move towards satvik nature, as satvic the one, that will ultimately lead us home.
music helps a lot. The music like flute, veena or any
melody comes under this category If one is put in CONCLUSIONS
the practice of yoga, even though he/she is coming Music is known to be an expression of the original
from stressful work with bad mood, it will be sound, Naad Brahma, scripturally referred to as the
helpful to involve practitioners more on the word, planetary vibration or Aum. Music affects
practice, which has been the experience of lots of brain at different levels. Our moods change with
yoga followers [31]. Personally, what I feel is different types of music. However, at a very deep
especially while relaxing in shavasana if you put level its effect is similar to that of deep meditation.
relaxing music, its effects will be doubled. Probably it is a reason why all great religions have

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stressed music as a means for praying and concentration and relaxation, which are the
meditation. If you reach a special state within principles of music, yoga and meditation. Music
yourself, then the whole world becomes sound. In affects brain at different levels. Therefore, if a
music and yoga we say musical sound 'Naad - person always involves in listening and practicing
Brahma', which means 'sound is God'. This is music in a proper way, then that person is happier
because the foundation of this life is in vibration than the rest. Because that person is always free
and this vibration is sound which every human can from anxiety and stress. In this way, listening and
feel. If you look closely at such people who are practice provide peace in mental health of the
deeply involved with melodious music, then you people. As a result, healthy mind, body and
will feel that they naturally remain in the state of thoughts definitely create a beautiful vibe in the
meditation. Music has a great effect on the mental society.
state of human beings. It brings peace,

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