The idea that taking medication can be influenced by music seems absurd. But this is what emerges from an astonishing study.
Considered a hobby or passion by many, music can have therapeutic properties amazing.
Indeed, studies have repeatedly demonstrated the power of our favorite songs on our minds. Their effects would be similar to those of the practice of a sport and they would help us in particular to cross more easily the sad periods. However, music can also be intended to be used in medical treatment.
This is called music therapy and it is prescribed to reduce anxiety or pain in particular. But researchers would have found another use for the songs: that ofamplify existing medical care. In any case, this is what emerges from a pilot study published in Clinical Nursing Research.
Relieving Nausea in Chemotherapy Patients with Music
The study had particular patients as volunteers. The latter were 12 and had the common point of undergo chemotherapy. To determine the impact of music on the treatment, the researchers submitted an instruction to the patients.
Indeed, chemotherapy causes many side effects including nausea. In fact, they invited the sick to listening to music every time they took medicine to calm their nausea. They then had to listen to songs they liked for half an hour. Subsequently, patients were asked to listen to music again if they felt nausea rising without taking treatment.
In total, the researchers were able to analyze 66 such events during the study period. And it turns out that the music would have helped calm nausea and make it less difficult for patients to bear. Moreover, the reduction in side effects was “significant” according to patient feedback. Nevertheless, it is legitimate to wonder if this is due to the music or simply to the effects of the treatment.
The first step towards further studies related to this phenomenon
In fact, music could amplify the effects of treatments. However, it is still too early to tell. The researchers are aware of this and have confirmed that this study was a first step. In the future, the researchers want to focus on another element: serotonin.
This molecule generated by the brain would have a key role in the event of chemotherapy. Indeed, it is she who would be responsible for the nausea of patients under treatment. Researchers would therefore like to determine whether listening to music can reduce the level of serotonin produced during or after a session.
Eventually, it may be possible to limit the drug treatment of patients and replace it with listening sessions.