More than 2,000 years ago, Pythagoras theorized that music follows the natural laws of harmony. More specifically, he concluded that everything in nature follows musical rhythms and patterns. Since then music has been used to balance the mind and body, and restore its harmony with nature. While music in general can evoke sadness, joy, anger or particular memories, classical music is the most common genre chosen by psychologists and medical professionals for healing.
Because classical music has a more complex musical structure than many other genres of music, it has become the focus of much research. In 1997, The Mozart Effect by Don Campell was published, bringing into the mainstream the significance of classical music's healing properties. But classical music's effects are wholistic in nature. Listening to it has an effect not only on one's psychological state, but on the body as well. Classical music unifies the two, creating healing on all levels.
Listening to classical music has been shown to equalize and reduce brain-wave activity thereby inducing relaxation. It elevates endorphin levels, which elevates mood, reduces depression and gives one a sense of overall well-being. It has been shown to play a role in regulating stress-related hormones in the body. It also slows down respiration. When our breathing slows down we enter into a more relaxed state of mind. Studies show that even people who aren't familiar with classical music or don't choose to listen to it will experience its benefits.
Music therapists are also using classical music to build self-esteem and manage symptoms of those with more pronounced psychiatric disorders. More than 40 years ago, Dr. Paul Moses of Stanford Medical School began to realize that patients with schizophrenia tend to have flat, rhythmic patterns of speech. By introducing music as a way to add "melody" to their speech and synchronize their thought patterns he found up to a 59-percent reduction in their symptoms---especially auditory hallucinations. Studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland followed suit, and clinicians who have continued this work have continued to find positive results.
Classical music can be an invaluable tool in reducing psychological distress. But it is one of many tools available. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial, particularly if you experience symptoms that are getting in the way of your daily life. Most music therapists are qualified to assess what other tools may be benefical to you. For more information on music therapy, or to find a music therapist in your area, contact the American Music Therapy Association (see References).