Music Therapy is an established health therapy, in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals, which are often categorized as its non-musical goals. The beauty of music therapy lies in its impact that helps people in coping with physical, mental, emotional and social inadequacies or deficiencies.
Music Therapy services in medical settings, which are related to various forms are categorized as medical music therapy. They are related to diagnoses, symptoms, treatment schedule, and discharge timelines Although music therapy sessions are aimed at non-musical goals related to them, the benefits derived are actually aimed at the “whole person” and not just results. Music is used to provide care to the patients in a manner that is outside of the box. Hence, Music Therapy is also referred to as a complementary medicine and not just a standalone medicine.
We know that nowadays Music Therapy is used for many different issues, from stress relief to mental, emotional and behavioural problems. It has been found useful in helping treat depression and anxiety and is often recommended for elderly people dealing with memory loss associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
How to use Music
Music, in medical settings, is often used in a creative manner. Therapists encourage patients to hum, intone or sing with a song or tune and also to meditate and relax as they play what is called an ‘appropriate music’ for them, having made their musical profile so as to cater to their choice of music. Even simple exercises and short movements of limbs are encouraged to be performed with music by the bed-ridden patients who are willing and who enjoy doing so.
When music is played, in conjunction with a person’s thoughts or movements, patients feel a sense of physical and mental well-being. The emotional healing provided by music (through the judicious choice made by the music therapist), the patient is able to overcome his or her loneliness in a strange hospital atmosphere – away from home and people. The patient is able to develop a positive self-image, which goes a long way not only in accepting his realities such as stress and pain but also in overcoming them. The latter is possible as music helps people by taking their mind off the pain locus.
Stimulating the Brain
Due to its subtle patterns, music is known now to activate or stimulate the brainwaves. The brain, like any muscle in the body, as and when exercised, tends to become supple and strong and thus fit and healthy. This process is akin to developing a stronger heart through medically-prescribed cardiovascular exercises.
The stronger and faster definitive rhythms in music make people more alert, while slower sedative music helps people to meditate and relax. This healthy way of focusing as well as calming helps people develop a positive mind state, while also reducing stress, which lowers blood pressure.
Receptivity of Patients and the Process
While it is essential that music therapy is consciously selected or opted by the patient, it is important here to note that no formal or informal education in music is needed for them. The receptivity of the patient can be noticed by the therapist through their responses to singing or listening, slight bodily movement to the beats in music, a more pleasant face, a short-lived smile etc.
During medical music therapy sessions, a music therapist either uses a pre-recorded music or brings an instrument for a live session with the parent. He begins with a light and friendly approach asking for the patient’s likes and dislikes, tastes and preferences in his life, more particularly with reference to his or her musical preferences.
By studying the patient’s profile, the music therapist is able to select the music appropriate to the occasion. There will be preparation as well as evaluation – going hand in hand. Involving the patient in picking the music of their choice proves more successful. Therefore, the music therapist must have a huge play list besides knowledge of the various genres of music at his or her fingertips! The therapist can either lead the patient to hum or sing or create or improvise or else, just listen to the patient responding to the piped in music.
The therapists must be well versed in music, and should have also done a professional course in music therapy (For example: Nada Certificate in Music Therapy).
Music Therapy is a challenging field, due to the nature of intervention, which calls for tremendous patience and hard work on the part of the therapist. Regardless of what type of symptom or ailment a person is dealing with, there is a good chance that music therapy can shine as a supplementary intervention, which is not just painless but very, very pleasant, especially when the patient is suffering!
In a nutshell:
Music Therapy has been successfully used as a supplement to help medical patients, with complaints such as general stress, cancer, speech impediments, high blood pressure and heart problems, mental disorders and a number of other issues. It is a holistic health approach, helping the immunity of the patients – as a pleasant intervention which hugs them as a friend in need!
This article was published in Shanmukha Jul-Sept 2019
Edited by Geeta Shreedar, Nov. 27, 2021