Music therapy is a branch of health care designed to aid physical and emotional health through the use of music, either through listening, song writing, performing, exploring lyrics or other activities related to music.

It?s often found as part of stress management programs or used in conjunction with exercise, and is uses in a variety of health care settings, with very good results in both short-term conditions and more serious long-term ones.

Recognising the benefits that Music Therapy can bring to cancer patients, children with ADD among others, many hospitals have begun to use music and music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, promote movement, calm patients and to ease muscle tension.

Is this so surprising though? Most of us are already aware that music has the ability to affect the body and mind in extremely powerful ways.

Somchai Atsawagowit is a therapist and the head of the music program at Srinakarinwirot University, Bangkok explains how music therapy can do much more than help listeners forget their pain, stress and anger, ?We previously used music therapy with children suffering from (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and we found that it instantly helped them become calmer and friendlier.?

Now one of Khun Somchai?s main focal points is helping university students. ?After they graduate they will be going to work and will ultimately become the main power in our country.?

?Unfortunately many university students suffer from stress caused by high expectations from parents or placed upon themselves. Some even commit suicide.?

These causes of stress are not just experienced by students in Bangkok. Chonlachat Kaewbua, a second year student at Phuket Rajabhat University said she understood had music could help, "My parents want me to get an A in every subject and it?s very hard for me, I?m just trying to do my best. Whenever I feel stress, I stop what I?m doing and listen to my favourite music. I think music can make everybody feel better.?

Nattapol Umloy is another Phuket Rajabhat University student who doesn?t necessarily need a course in music therapy to see its benefits. ?I feel happy when I listen to music. I usually play my guitar and sing a song before I take an exam, it always makes me feel relaxed.?