Is music therapy effective?

Knowing the science behind sound healing

- DR KAYCEE DEVES

Sound healing is having a moment in Manila's wellness scene, from singing bowl sessions in Makati spas to kulintang meditation circles in cultural centers. But does this ancient practice actually work, or is it just expensive noise therapy? The surprising answer is both more complex and more promising than you might expect. Recent research suggests certain sound-based therapies can measurably reduce stress and anxiety, while other claims venture into pseudoscience territory. Major medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic now integrate sound therapy into patient care. Yet, skeptics rightfully question the quality of research and warn against replacing proven treatments.

The growing evidence base centers on how sound affects our nervous system. When we hear specific frequencies, our brains exhibit a phenomenon called "entrainment," which essentially synchronizes brainwaves to external rhythms. Research shows that six Hz binaural beats can develop theta brain activity associated with deep relaxation within 10 minutes, while 40 Hz frequencies may enhance memory and cognitive function.

Multiple meta-analyses involving over 9,000 participants demonstrate music therapy's effectiveness for anxiety reduction, with effect sizes comparable to some pharmaceutical interventions.