Here in the west there seems to be an outbreak of stress and anxiety. Experts tell us the figures are high and rising. Good news for those in the stress relief industry! No wonder their products are burgeoning Some 'solutions' are better than others, but one that's tried and tested, and is very effective, is music therapy. It's good for kids and parents alike -and it even works on some pets!

Music has always been used for its power to heal. There are stories about it in Greek mythology, and in the Bible there's the story of David soothing the king's depression by playing on his harp.

So What Exactly Is Music Therapy?

Broadly, music therapy falls into two categories: playing music and listening to music. The latter involves listening to music in order to relieve panic, anxiety or stress - and to help the listeners regain control of their lives.

This is often coupled with meditation, and the listener is encouraged to also use correct breathing techniques and guided imagery. We now know that music affects the deeper reaches of the brain and can radically change hormonal imbalances, thereby promoting healthier moods.

How Does Music Do This?

In the months before birth, a baby is surrounded by warmth and security in the mother's womb. The most reassuring sound is the mother's heart beat. Medical experts now claim that when we're in a relaxed state the regular beat or rhythm of music rekindles feelings first experienced before birth.

Before birth there were no worries about paying the bills, financing the kids' education and so on. Soft, rhythmic music enables us to leave all these concerns behind for a while and the soothing sounds help us regroup and recuperate.

However, selecting music for therapy - for self or others - can be quite tricky. Instead of promoting stress relief, the wrong kind of music can cause stress. And just because you have a favorite style doesn't mean it will work for this! For the profound relaxation and stress relief we're talking about you must select more carefully. (Some people even listen to so-called 'relaxing music' they can't stand - and it does anything but relax them)

Luckily there are music therapists who have covered all the bases. Their research and experience indicate that music with a beat of just under the regular heart beat - that's 72 beats a minute - is the most effective stress reliever. Even more so if it has repeated patterns.

Some of the most effective genres of music are known to be:

* Classical pieces

* Celtic music

* Native American rhythms

* New Age

As already mentioned, you must bear in mind that different types of music can have different effects:

Sad country music won't make you feel better if you're already feeling down!

When you're all worked up and on the brink of exhaustion, hard rock may not help you relax. However, if you're weighed down by boredom and are fretting with stored-up energy, heavy metal could be the very thing (if that's what you're into).

When you're facing a challenge and no one else can help, putting on your favorites from the 'old days' of your youth can have a very encouraging effect.

Natural 'music' - such as the sound of rippling water, birds chirping or children at play - can promote relaxation, as can the sounds of bass drums and flutes.

How To Get The Best From Your Music Therapy Sessions

Try these tips for great music therapy time-out:

* Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes in a place where you won't be bothered by others

* Relax, either sitting or lying down

* Alternatively, go for a walk in a quiet, relaxing spot and listen to your music through you iPod or portable CD player. Here you can practice regular breathing and enjoy some exercise

* Choose music that's appropriate for your needs; many commercially produced music is ideal for different situations and is often combined with meditations (e.g. on stress relief, on boosting confidence and self-esteem, etc.)

* Make a point of doing this several times a week, or daily if you can.

When you are really into music therapy you'll notice great all-round improvement in your physical, mental and spiritual health. You'll look back and wish you discovered it earlier!