Huangdi Neijing, a classic work of traditional Chinese medicine, put forward "five-tone therapy" two thousand years ago. The ancient music therapy was based on the relationship between the five modes of national music: Gong, Shang, Jiao, Zheng and Yu, and the five zang-organs and five elements. Such as Gongdiao music, the style is melodious and quiet, simple and solemn, as generous and firm as "earth" and can enter the spleen; Shang-Diao music, with high and tragic style, has the characteristics of "gold" and can enter the lungs; Modal music constitutes the return of spring, where everything is born and full of vitality. The tune is cordial and hearty, with the characteristics of "wood" and can enter the liver; Tune the music, the melody is warm and cheerful, lively and relaxed, forming an infectious atmosphere with distinct levels and pleasant emotions, which has the characteristics of "fire" and can enter the heart; Feather-style music, pure in style, sad and desolate, soft, like a crystal curtain falling from the sky, flowing, with the characteristics of "water", can enter the kidney.

In the west, it was recorded in ancient Egypt that "music is a panacea for human soul", and it was also recorded in the historical works of ancient Greece and Rome. It is recorded in the Old Testament that King Saul called David to play the drum and the piano to exorcise demons (in fact, he was mentally disturbed).

By the middle of the19th century, music therapy was once popular in Europe. Austrian doctor P Lichtenthal (1780 ~ 1853) wrote a four-volume "Musician" in 1807, which introduced the exploration results at that time in more detail.

During the Second World War, music spread rapidly because of its remarkable curative effect on mental patients.

1950, the world's first national music therapy association was established in the United States, specializing in the discussion and popularization of music therapy, and published essays and regular publications. Western countries have also set up such organizations and have international professional exchange activities. At this point, music therapy has developed into a special therapy. Therefore, most countries in the world have music therapy associations.