Music therapy

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Perhaps the most popular relaxation modality is music therapy. Whether

New Age, rock, jazz, or classical, many people find that music

distracts them from the painful moment, helping to reduce mental

stress. In fact, in some hospitals, staff members give patients tapes

of soothing music and reassuring voice-overs to use during surgical

procedures. In clinical studies, both doctors and patients agreed that

listening to music produced greater decreases in peaks of tension, and

produced greater compliance with relaxation practice. While the

studies are limited, it's thought that music therapy can help to

improve mood and pain tolerance. This therapy is thought to enhance

the parasympathetic response through the effects of sound, encouraging

relaxation at a deep level.

Source: The Women's Guide to Ending Pain: An 8-Step Program