Exploring the Healing Power of Music
Did you know that music can be used for therapeutic purposes? Music therapy, a branch of alternative medicine, uses music to help restore health. It’s practiced by skilled and qualified music therapists who work on different aspects of human health, such as cognitive, physical, psychological, and social well-being. Therapeutic benefits of music aren’t limited to people with mild conditions who can sing or dance along. Research has shown that music can even help comatose patients, as long as their brain functions.
Holistic doctors have various methods to administer music therapy. They might sing or play instruments to uplift, inspire, energize, and soothe the patient’s mind and soul. Sometimes, they write songs, create dance routines, or use existing music to boost their clients’ mood. These activities can also motivate friends and family of the ailing person, who might feel stressed or anxious about their loved one’s health. While music isn’t a replacement for traditional medical treatments, its positive effects on mood and brain function can be a valuable part of overall therapy for various illnesses.
Are you skeptical about music’s power to heal, relieve pain, or distract from suffering? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of therapeutic music.
### Depression and Stress
People experiencing chronic or mild depression, anxiety, and stress may find relief through music therapy. Researchers believe there’s a strong connection between emotions and music. Depression, anxiety, and stress are conditions filled with negative emotions like sadness, anger, bitterness, suicidal thoughts, frustration, and anxiety. Those dealing with depression often struggle to bring their minds to a relaxed, happy state. Daily sessions of slow, soothing music have been shown to alleviate these negative feelings. Light vocal or instrumental music helps severely depressed individuals relax and open up to their therapist. For those with mild stress and depression, listening to soothing tunes for about 20 minutes daily is recommended.
### Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of complex brain development disorders affecting verbal and non-verbal communication. Music therapy can be beneficial for children with ASD. Sessions are designed to improve communication, cognition, and behavior. The therapist starts by understanding the child’s specific condition to develop a tailored treatment plan. They may use improvised tunes with percussion instruments or their voices to mimic the sounds made by the child, encouraging the development of the child’s musical language. Simple songs matching the child’s mood and developmental needs are also used.
### Degenerative Nerve Diseases and Music Therapy
Degenerative nerve diseases affect major organs like the heart, brain, and liver and can be genetic and incurable, causing ongoing suffering. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Music acts as a sensory stimulus to promote motor responses. Active music therapy is common in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation, improving motor and behavioral functions. Alzheimer’s patients often have trouble communicating verbally. Music therapy helps them regain expressive abilities, and the sensory stimulation can slow the deterioration of physical, psychological, and cognitive functions in these patients.
### Fatal Diseases and Music Therapy
Cancer, stroke, and heart diseases are serious conditions causing physical and mental stress. Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, can be especially harsh. Music therapy aims to reduce stress and anxiety in these patients. Following a frightening diagnosis, people often feel sudden sadness, hopelessness, and fear. Increased stress can worsen their condition, weaken their immune system, and reduce their willpower. Professional music psychotherapists uplift the spirits of the severely ill and dying through singing, playing instruments, songwriting, and dancing.
Although music isn’t a cure, it complements traditional medicine by lifting spirits and providing therapeutic balance during the healing process.
