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To understand how it acts and what effects it produces, we have to be aware of its physical and vibrational origin. What we define as "music" is nothing more than the result of a cerebral perception from the decoding and subsequent interpretation of nervous or bioelectrical information.

A musician does not generate music but acoustic vibrations. It is a very physical vision, I am aware of that, but, in reality, our auditory system will be in charge of translating them into nervous impulses so that the brain can interpret them as music in just a few tenths of a second.

Although there may be more or less universal patterns, the effects of music on people are individual, as they are modulated by the characteristics of each person. For this reason, when we want to use music as a therapeutic instrument, it must be personalized.

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- THROUGH THE AUDITORY SYSTEM
It is "designed" to convert acoustic information into nerve impulses which, through the auditory nerve and via the thalamus, are conducted to different areas of the brain for interpretation. This perception triggers a biochemical response that is modulated by our individual characteristics (genetics, experiences, environment, culture).

Neuroimaging studies show that new neuronal connections are established, neurotransmitter levels are modified, certain glands are activated which affect hormone production.... All this has an impact on our physiological constants, on our mood and also on our cognitive abilities.

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- THROUGH THE SKIN
Acoustic energy also has a direct impact on our body. Depending on the density of the tissues and the physical characteristics of the excitation (frequency and power), a part of this energy will propagate towards our tissues, organs, bones and cells, and may affect their metabolic processes.

The most immediate effects, however, are those produced by vibrations generated in direct contact with the skin, which stimulate the nerve receptors.

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We should not underestimate or trivialize the therapeutic potential of music. It is so capable and powerful that simple daily listening for six months improves cognitive aspects in people recovering from brain damage caused by stroke (Särkämo, 2008).

Sound and musical stimuli affect us in all our integrity: physically, emotionally, cognitively and even spiritually.

It is an easy test: we measure our pulse and respiratory rate, listen to music for 15 minutes and measure again.

- They will increase if the music is dynamic (high volume, marked rhythm, high tempo...).

- The internal rhythms will decrease if, on the contrary, the parameters are the opposite (lower volume, low rhythm, slow tempo...), our body will notice it.

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Music Therapy and Mental Health | Lucia Clohessy | TEDxWCMephamHigh