Here in the west there seems to be an outbreak of stress and anxiety. Experts tell us the figures are high and rising. Good news for those in the stress relief industry! No wonder their products are burgeoning Some 'solutions' are better than others, but one that's tried and tested, and is very effective, is music therapy. It's good for kids and parents alike -and it even works on some pets!

The beneficial effects of music therapy go way back in folklore and beyond. It's mentioned in Greek myths, and even in the Bible (when David plays his harp to soothe his troubled king).

Some Facts About Music Therapy

Broadly, music therapy falls into two categories: playing music and listening to music. The latter involves listening to music in order to relieve panic, anxiety or stress - and to help the listeners regain control of their lives.

This goes hand in hand with meditation, and involves such techniques as deep breathing and mental imagery. It's known that music works on many levels of the brain and significantly changes moods and hormone functions.

How Does Music Have This Effect?

Psychologists tell us music works on a very subtle subconscious level. In particular they refer to the beat, or rhythm, of the music. They point to the fact that before birth we felt safe, warm and secure within the womb, and the most reassuring sound was that of the mother's heart beat.

The slow, rhythmic pulse of relaxing music may reflect the feelings first enjoyed when our lives were stress and anxiety-free. Thus we can withdraw for a while from the causes of our stress and anxiety to an imaginary place of refuge and safety.

However, selecting music for therapy - for self or others - can be quite tricky. Instead of promoting stress relief, the wrong kind of music can cause stress. And just because you have a favorite style doesn't mean it will work for this! For the profound relaxation and stress relief we're talking about you must select more carefully. (Some people even listen to so-called 'relaxing music' they can't stand - and it does anything but relax them)

So why not listen to the advice from the experts in this field? They say the most effective stress relief music is that which has a slightly slower rhythm than the heart beat, which is around 72 beats per minute. Repetitive patterns also have a calming effect.

Examples of the best music for stress relief are:

* Classical themes

* Celtic

* Native American music

* New Age recordings

Remember, though, that the various genres of music can bring about different results:

If you're sad and lonely, sad country songs will probably make you feel worse.

When your brain is in overdrive and your energy depleted, listening to hard rock may not be the best prescription! But if you've been bored out your mind at work and have lots of pent-up energy, it could be just what the doctor ordered.

When you've to do something on your own and it threatens you, music from your childhood or teenage years can be highly reassuring.

Listening to the music of nature - a babbling brook, birds singing or leaves whispering in the breeze - is a great way to induce a stress-relieving relaxed state. And instrumental music like flutes coupled with bass drums can work wonders.

How To Make The Most Of Music Therapy

Try these tips for great music therapy time-out:

* Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others

* Lie down or sit - but don't be too comfortable!

* Alternatively, go for a walk in a quiet, relaxing spot and listen to your music through you iPod or portable CD player. Here you can practice regular breathing and enjoy some exercise

* Choose music that's appropriate for your needs; many commercially produced music is ideal for different situations and is often combined with meditations (e.g. on stress relief, on boosting confidence and self-esteem, etc.)

* Make a point of doing this several times a week, or daily if you can.

Better health, improved relationships, enhanced moods, stress relief: these are only some of the benefits of music therapy. Just watch you don't become addicted!

About the Author

Prior to investing in any stress relief products check Frank McGinty's StressReliefGold, and grab your FREE report, Beat Stress - And Start Living. Also, get info on your FREE stress-busting guided meditation, The Secret Garden.