Music has long been acknowledged for its potential therapeutic effects. It has the ability to evoke emotions, trigger physiological responses, and even alter mood and mental state. In recent years, the impact of music on the immune system has emerged as an exciting field of research, with various studies suggesting that music can indeed have a positive impact on our immune function.

The Neuroimmunological Pathway

The underlying mechanism by which music might exert its effects on the immune system can be understood by exploring the neuroimmunological pathway. The immune system is not isolated from the rest of the body, but rather, it communicates actively with the nervous and endocrine systems to maintain homeostasis. The brain can send signals to the immune system, regulating its response based on various inputs, including stress levels, emotional state, and, interestingly, music.

The connection between music and the immune system mainly involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Both these systems are activated when the body is under stress. Music, especially when it’s soothing and familiar, can help reduce stress, leading to decreased activation of the HPA axis and SNS, thereby moderating the immune response (1).

Impact on Stress Hormones

A study conducted by Linnemann et al., (2015) revealed that music can influence stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, which are key regulators of the immune response. The study showed that patients who listened to music before a medical procedure had lower cortisol levels compared to those who did not. Lower cortisol levels are associated with less suppression of the immune system, indicating an enhanced immune response (2).

Effects on Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant antibody in the human body, playing a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes. Several studies have demonstrated that listening to music can increase IgA levels. In a study by Chanda and Levitin (2013), participants who listened to music showed higher levels of secretory IgA (sIgA), signifying enhanced immune activity. These findings suggest that music might serve as a non-pharmacological means of bolstering the immune system, particularly in contexts where the immune function might be compromised, such as pre-surgery or during recovery (3).

Music and Cytokines

Music’s influence extends to cytokines, which are proteins that play a vital role in cell signaling in the immune system. A 2016 study by Fachner, et al., found that music led to a decrease in the levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels suggest reduced inflammation, which can be beneficial, particularly in situations where chronic inflammation is present, such as autoimmune diseases or prolonged periods of stress (4).

Impacts on Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Natural Killer (NK) cells play an essential role in the body’s defense against viruses and cancer cells. A study conducted by Bittman et al., (2001) revealed that a group of recreational drummers had increased NK cell activity compared to a control group, demonstrating a boost in their immune function (5).

The study of music’s impact on the immune system is still a relatively new field, with much of the research being preliminary. However, the initial findings suggest that music has the potential to affect our immune response positively. While it is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can be a powerful adjunctive therapy, enhancing health and wellbeing through its immunomodulatory effects.

References

Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156.
Linnemann, A., Kappert, M. B., Fischer, S., Doerr, J. M., Strahler, J., & Nater, U. M. (2015). The effects of music listening on pain and stress in the daily life of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 9, 434.
Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in cognitive sciences, 17(4), 179-193.
Fachner, J., Gold, C., & Erkkilä, J. (2019). Music therapy modulates fronto-temporal activity in rest-EEG in depressed clients. Brain Topography, 32(2), 294-305.
Bittman, B. B., Berk, L. S., Felten, D. L., Westengard, J., Simonton, O. C., Pappas, J., & Ninehouser, M. (2001). Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 7(1), 38.

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