Music
Healthcare outcomes associated with music and sound interventions are similar to those resulting from other ambient interventions among them, physiological and subjective mood changes and higher pain thresholds. Specific neurochemistry reactions are said to be stimulated by music and these reactions are said to be the prime mechanism by which music improves healthcare outcomes (Gebauer and Vuust 2014). The neurotransmitter dopamine and opioid transmitters such as oxytonin are associated with pleasure reward centers in the brain. Listening to music, can, for example, increase the release of oxytocin (Nilsson 2009). The pleasurable effect stimulated by this acts both as positive distraction and as a natural painkiller. Gebauer and Vuust’s review of music’s effect on the neurological system also pointed to the HPAaxis (hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal). This system controls levels of the hormone cortisol, which rise with stress, and the circadian rhythm and therefore influences the individual’s ability to ward off and heal from illness. In numerous studies, markers of stress in the body, that is, physiological responses such as blood pressure, perspiration and respiration rate have been demonstrably affected by music (Loomba et al2012). Specifically, music has been shown to reduce subjective anxiety, lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate in healthy men and women (Knight and Rickard 2001). In patients undergoing a surgical procedure (central nerve block), music timed to the procedure reduced levels of stress hormone and lowered the amount of perceived pain (Robertson P2001). Similarly, women being treated with brachytherapy for gynecological cancers showed reduced levels of perceived pain and anxiety after viewing music relaxation videos for 30 minutes at 4 intervals during a 44 hr initial treatment for cervical cancer (Chi et al 2014).This is indication that ambient elements in combination may provide more therapeutic effect, than the components individually. Final Note: How Choice and SelfControl Contribute to Recovery The research also shows that what may be crucial in implementation of the interventions described here is the patient’s ability to control certain aspects of their use. Loss of control in a health crisis, reliance on others for knowledge and help in recovery, while necessary, can trigger stress response in patients.. Therefore his or her ability to choose which nature video or music intervention is employed, for example, may have an effect on their recovery. |
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