Music can work like medicine in the treatment of common ailments, according to Professor Hans-Joachim Trappe of the university clinic Marienhospital in Herne, Germany. Classical music is the most effective, having beneficial effects on anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease.
Aside from that, it helps counter pain, stress and sleep disorders and has a positive influence on the immune system, Trappe wrote in a German medical magazine. In addition, classical music can boost concentration, memory, creativity and energy, according to Trappe.
But there are people who don't like orchestral music. Trappe recommends they try meditation or pop and rock music. The latter two have mood-altering and stimulative effects. Latin American music is similarly uplifting. The same cannot be said for heavy metal and techno music, said Trappe, noting that they raise the pulse and blood pressure.