Power of melody.... Photo: Special Arrangement
Music can be used creatively for physical and mental well being.
Music is a universal language. It plays a significant role in influencing all levels of human existence and is a medium for communication that can be both pleasant and healing.
Modern science and medicine are now rediscovering the healing powers of music. Music Therapy, an alternative form of the therapeutic treatment, involves the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and wellbeing.
In today's hectic and increasingly stress-filled lifestyle, Music Therapy is essential. A huge amount of stress and tension are leading to new diseases and stress-related disorders that affect the mind, body and heart. Music Therapy can effectively help in cases of insomnia, stress, depression, anger management and also aid meditation and concentration. It is believed that music stimulates the pituitary gland, whose secretions affect the nervous system and the flow of blood.
At any time
An individual of any age and ability may benefit from a Music Therapy programme, regardless of his/her musical skill and background. For basic problems, one can receive Music Therapy at any time. But for specific problems, the therapy could be time-sensitive. For instance, a person suffering from blood pressure would need therapy at that time of day when his/her BP problem is severe.
This could vary across people between morning and night. At both times, two different raags would have to be used: one for the morning and another in the evening or afternoon.
The subject is first studied to note how a particular raag affects a person. Once the correct set of musical elements has been identified for therapy, he/she is made to undergo a session and provided with a CD of the music to listen to at home.
Most approaches to music therapy rely on spontaneous musical improvisation. The therapist uses percussion, tuned instruments or his/her own voice to respond creatively to the sounds produced by the client and encourages the client to create his or her own musical language. Instruments are selected that are non-threatening to the client. Some people have a strong preference for one type of sound and find others intolerable, so an individualistic approach is used for people with different concerns.
The aim is to create a context of sound in which the client feels comfortable and confident in expressing himself, to experience a wider range of emotions and to discover a two-way communicating relationship.
Music Therapy addresses the physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive and social needs with therapeutic relationships. It focuses on meeting therapeutic aims, which distinguishes it from musical entertainment or musical education. Music is like Ayurveda for the mind and soul. There are no harmful effects, as long as it is the kind of music you were, well, prescribed.
Music Therapy helps
Build positive relationships
Develop an ability to listen
Improve physical, emotional and cognitive development
Relieve tension, anxiety and other unpleasant negative emotions
Develop communication, motor and social skills
Develop self-awareness, motivation, confidence, creativity and choice
Reduce isolation and distress and fulfill their potential
The writer is a certified Music Therapist.
Keywords: music therapy, music and healing
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