By Mike DuBose
Archaeologists determined human music originated 40,000 years ago when they discovered bone flutes, clay drums, rattles, and shell trumpets across the globe.
Music plays an important role in all human cultures and worship services, dating back to Genesis 4:21 where Jubal played string instruments and pipes in the Bible. However, while music is considered entertainment, studies have clearly documented it can significantly enhance our mental and physical well-being. I noticed this while researching and drafting my articles over the past few years.
When I played vibrant music like Santana and the Rolling Stones, I felt a physiological and mental change in my body and mind. I sensed an abundant amount of creative and stimulating juices being released into my body where I became focused in an “euphoric zone.”
Conversely, when I was stressed, music from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart had a calming effect. I began to become curious when Consumer Reports Health determined in 2025 that music could ease pain, since the brain focused more on listening to music being played and less on suffering.
John Hopkins University Medical School and Pfizer conducted experiments using an MRI to study the brain’s activities while music was being played. Researchers determined listening to well-liked music increases blood flow, improves hormonal balance, and releases dopamine (the neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure and well-being).
In addition, as you notice most people working out in gyms listen to stimulating music which improves workout performance. Music can also improve our immune systems which release antibodies that invade viruses, while reducing the symptoms of serious diseases such as Parkinson’s, dementia, cancer, and mood disorders. In addition, music was found to reduce blood pressure while improving memory and motor skills.
The American Psychological Association, Psychology Today, and other medical schools reported music has positive impacts on our cognitive abilities stimulating and exercising parts of our brains used for intellectual functioning. Music also releases serotonin which acts like a natural antidepressant that improves moods, sleep, anxiety, and stress. Patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia show improvements when exposed to music. Even mothers who were experiencing postpartum depression improved faster with the use of music therapy. When we were raising our children, I conducted an interesting experiment. We would play classical music while our babies were being fed. Later, when they were fussy, I turned on the music and they calmed down since the music was associated with receiving food. Of course, we all sang to our children when they were young and even in the womb.
Cleveland Clinic and other major hospitals have recognized the importance of music while treating patients and employ professionals with music therapy degrees. In fact, the American Music Therapy Association reports there are an estimated 20,000 degreed music therapists in the US. These professionals work with treatment teams to assess each patient’s medical and mental health history to form a musical treatment plan consisting of singing, composing lyrics, listening to music, and playing instruments. Music therapy goes back to Ancient Greece where philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (450 BC) prescribed music to treat an array of illnesses. Hospitals play music, mostly classical, during seventy-five percent of the surgeries in operating rooms to calm staff and create pleasant work environments.
Unfortunately, studies reported that individuals who were exposed to music filled with hostile or hateful lyrics can promote aggressive behavior and decrease positive outcomes. Some pleasing music to certain people can be irritating and distracting to others. The theory “Different strokes for different folks” applies to music.
Consequently, listening to the “right music” you love, depending upon your mood and needs at the time, is critical for the music magic to work. Interestingly, studies revealed that when retail stores play soft background music, shoppers tend to spend more time and money in the stores.
The Bottom Line: Based on extensive research, it would be prudent for all of us to be exposed to more music as a resource to enhance our mental and physical wellbeing. Music is no magic, cure-all treatment, but it can add to the tools other professionals use in treating pain, diseases, and mental health issues, or in dealing with the daily struggles of life. And you don’t need a music degree to enjoy the benefits of this free medicine.
Remember to crank up some good music while relaxing, working, or socializing. If you are an Amazon Prime Member ordering merchandise online, you have access to 100 million types of complimentary music to suit your interest that can be played through inexpensive Alexa and Echo devices. And your car’s Sirus/XM radio can find hundreds of your desired musical channels. Of course, if you still have one, there is the dependable CD player.
But remember to protect your valuable hearing if you are using headphones or blasting music in your car and home.
Well, back to Santana and the Rolling Stones as I wrap up this fascinating article. See you again soon.
Dubose voluntarily authors these articles for 5 newspapers to fulfill his purpose “Creating opportunities to improve lives.” Visit his nonprofit website www.mikedubose.com and register to receive his monthly articles or Daily Thoughts plus free access to his books, including “The Art of Building Great Businesses.” The website includes 100+ published articles he has written on business, travel, and personal topics, in addition to health research with Surb Guram, MD, Allison Cashman, MD, and David Hurst, DMV.
