Think about the last film you watched — did its soundtrack and sound effects significantly shape your emotions and experience? A horror film stripped of all sound would lose much of its impact. The truth is, the power of music therapy goes far beyond what we imagine. From ancient rituals of singing for blessings, to repeated validation by modern science, listening to music has been proven to increase immunoglobulin A in saliva, reduce anxiety and stress, promote falling asleep and staying asleep, and deliver a wide range of scientifically backed health benefits. When we hear a melody we love, our brains release dopamine, instantly lifting our mood. This article will explore the 7 key health benefits of music for the mind and body, and break down the specific effects of different music genres — helping you find the most effective way to relax and de-stress amid the fast pace of life in Hong Kong.

Improve Mood and Reduce Anxiety

In the fast-paced rhythm of life in Hong Kong, anxiety and low mood have become almost a daily reality for many people. Listening to music is one of the simplest and most accessible tools to help regulate how we feel. An Australian study confirmed that listening to music helps regulate emotions, brings happiness, and promotes relaxation and stress relief — with slow, low-pitched, lyric-free music proving especially effective at reducing anxiety. In a US cardiac surgery case, the medical team played music for patients during their procedures, and the results showed a significant reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, as well as surgery-related stress, anxiety, and pain.

Woman with eyes closed wearing white headphones enjoying soothing music to reduce anxiety

Relieve Pain

In the relentless pace of modern life, muscle and joint pain are common complaints. Beyond conventional pain management or treatment approaches, a growing body of research confirms that music can genuinely help relieve pain. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that fibromyalgia patients experienced reduced pain and increased mobility after listening to just 10 minutes of music. Another study found that coronary heart disease patients who listened to music experienced fewer episodes of mild cardiac pain compared to those who did not. Music has even been found to ease the discomfort of cancer patients and the emotional pain of heartbreak.

Man experiencing muscle soreness after exercise massaging his leg

Improve Cardiovascular Health and Boost Fitness Performance

The benefits of music extend well beyond the psychological — it can also strengthen cardiopulmonary function and improve overall health. Scientists found that the feelings of pleasure triggered by listening to music increase blood flow within the blood vessels, suggesting that music can support cardiovascular health. Music also naturally influences the body's two major nervous systems — the sympathetic and parasympathetic. Why not create a dedicated workout playlist for yourself? It can help build a positive exercise habit while improving circulation. Upbeat, high-tempo tracks stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and energy levels — ideal for exercise. Slow, soothing music, on the other hand, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body and mind relax, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.

Energetic woman doing resistance training in the gym while wearing headphones

Strengthen Memory and Improve Cognitive Function

The repetitive patterns of rhythm and melody help the brain consolidate memory. In a study of stroke survivors, listening to music helped patients recall verbal information more easily and improved their concentration. Additionally, research has shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease can use music to retrieve memories and maintain psychological function. A study in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that adults over 70 who listened to music regularly had nearly 40% lower risk of developing dementia — a remarkable finding that shows incorporating music into daily life is not just an enjoyment of the moment, but a long-term investment in future health.

Healthy senior couple smiling and sitting on the living room sofa

Reduce Stress

Research published in the Journal of Music Therapy shows that listening to music is an effective method for relieving physiological stress. Light music such as Pachelbel's Canon in D has been proven to reduce anxiety levels more effectively than taking sedatives, because music induces the brain to release dopamine, delivering feelings of happiness and well-being. Furthermore, according to an article in a European pharmaceutical science journal, as music has been increasingly used as a therapeutic tool — with scientific evidence and clinical research confirming its role in emotional learning and language rehabilitation — the term "Mozart Effect" was coined to describe music's ability to make people smarter and healthier.

Man leaning back in a chair with headphones on, eyes closed, relaxing

Support Weight Management

A study found that people dining in a restaurant with slightly dimmed lights and soft background music consumed up to 18% less food, while reporting a higher sense of satisfaction. The relaxed atmosphere created by music and ambient lighting influenced both eating pace and overall fulfilment.

Couple enjoying a meal in an elegant restaurant with soft lighting

Improve Sleep Quality

Multiple studies indicate that music has a significant ability to improve sleep quality. A study of 94 students found that the group who listened to classical music before bed had noticeably better sleep quality than the group who listened to audiobooks. If you often struggle to fall asleep, try playing relaxing classical music before bed to help your body and mind unwind. Pairing music with physical relaxation methods such as massage can double the soothing effect.

Man sleeping peacefully in a comfortable lounge chair to improve sleep quality

Now that you understand the many health benefits of music, it is worth knowing that different genres offer different specific effects!

Music Genre	Key Benefits	Research Support	Best For
Classical Music	Stress relief, improved focus and calm	After London stations played works by Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, vandalism dropped by 37%	Reading, meditation, studying, bedtime
Jazz / Nature Sounds	Calm and relaxation, lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol	Music incorporating sounds of flowing water, birdsong, and thunder has been shown to produce calming and relaxing effects	Rest, stress relief, yoga
Pop Music	Boosts aerobic endurance, supports relaxation	A 2009 study confirmed that listening to pop music during aerobic exercise improves endurance and stamina	Running, daily commute
Rap and Hip-Hop	Uplifts mood, combats depression, instils hope	Cambridge University professors published findings showing that rap's positive storytelling helps listeners find encouragement and hope	When you need a mental boost
Heavy Metal	Supports mental health, promotes a sense of purpose	Humboldt University (Germany) research found that heavy metal fans tend to have better mental health and a stronger sense of life meaning	Adventure activities, emotional release

In the midst of Hong Kong's busy lifestyle, why not start consciously weaving music into your daily routine — listen to an uplifting track during your commute, play a soothing melody during work breaks to de-stress, and wind down with classical music before bed. And if you pair it with massage and physical relaxation, you can take the health benefits of music even further.

OSIM understands the powerful synergy between listening to music and massage, and has specially produced a series of exclusive OSIM music tracks for its Well-being chairs and massage products. Spanning a variety of styles and scenarios tailored to different mind-body needs, each massage session can now simultaneously activate both auditory and tactile healing. The flagship Well-being chair, uDream.AI, takes this experience to another level with built-in Devialet speakers from the prestigious French high-end audio brand, harnessing world-class acoustic engineering to deliver a deeply immersive sonic experience. Whether you need to unwind after a long day, ease into sleep with soothing melodies, or relieve accumulated anxiety and fatigue during a massage, OSIM's built-in music is designed to bring your body and mind into a state of synchronised, immersive calm.

FAQ

Can listening to music reduce anxiety?

An Australian study confirmed that listening to music helps regulate emotions, brings happiness, and promotes relaxation. Slow, low-pitched, lyric-free music is particularly effective at reducing anxiety. A US cardiac surgery case also showed that playing music during procedures lowered heart rate and blood pressure, and reduced stress and anxiety.

What type of music is best to listen to before bed to improve sleep quality?

Research indicates that classical music is most effective for improving sleep quality. A study of 94 students found that those who listened to classical music had noticeably better sleep than those who listened to audiobooks. Experts recommend slow-tempo music at around 60 beats per minute before bed, as it helps the brain produce Alpha waves, encouraging relaxation and easier sleep onset.

Can music help relieve pain?

A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that fibromyalgia patients experienced reduced pain and improved mobility after listening to just 10 minutes of music. Research also found that coronary heart disease patients who listened to music experienced fewer episodes of mild cardiac pain compared to those who did not.

What is the best music to listen to during exercise?

High-tempo, energetic tracks — such as pop or upbeat music — are best for working out. Research shows that listening to pop music during aerobic exercise improves endurance and stamina, as the music shifts attention away from physical exertion towards the rhythm and lyrics, enhancing overall performance.

Why do OSIM Well-being chairs and massage chairs feature built-in music?

OSIM recognises that the combined effect of music therapy and massage far surpasses either approach on its own. As research shows, music induces the release of dopamine and lowers cortisol levels, while massage directly relieves muscle tension and improves circulation. Together, their relaxation benefits are far more powerful. For Hong Kong residents dealing with high-pressure work environments, sleep difficulties, or physical discomfort, sinking into an OSIM Well-being chair or massage chair — eyes closed, surrounded by music and massage simultaneously — is the most efficient and complete daily de-stress ritual.

What speakers are used in OSIM's latest massage chair?

The flagship Well-being chair uDream.AI features built-in speakers from Devialet, a prestigious French high-end audio brand. Combining world-class acoustic engineering and Devialet's proprietary SAM® (Speaker Active Matching) technology, the system delivers rich, powerful bass that faithfully reproduces every musical detail and nuance — creating a deeply immersive listening experience. Real-time audio optimisation ensures exceptional clarity and precision, bringing you a pure, full-bodied sound that enhances every moment of relaxation.

7 Science-Backed Benefits to Help You Relax and De-Stress

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