- Music can reduce stress, protect against disease and manage pain, just like some other lifestyle choices.
- Music can help control your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and muscle tension.
- After surgery, listening to music of your choice may lower your body's stress responses as you recover.
- Music lowers stress and improves your mood. This might boost your immune system, which can reduce the effects of aging.
More studies are needed to determine the specific effects of music on health. But, one thing's for sure: music is convenient, inexpensive, and easy for anyone to try. Whether or not you can carry a tune or play an instrument, you can benefit from the power of music. Sing out loud at home, in the car or with a group; take a music player along when you go for a medical test or procedure; and remember to turn on your favorite tunes when you feel stress building up. Your body and spirit will feel the difference.
Live music carries perhaps the most benefit because it provides a way to forge social connections. But even recorded tunes can reduce stress and increase happiness. Happy tunes have been proven to release pleasure-inducing brain chemicals; other studies show that pregnant women, cardiac patients, sufferers of depression and others have experienced reduced heart rates and boosted immune systems after listening to music.
Performing music is beneficial to your health as well. A study from the University of California at Irvine found that levels of the disease-fighting protein, immunoglobulin A, increased by 150 percent during choir rehearsals and 240 percent during performances.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.