Plato believed that music was “the essence of order”.
Since the beginning of recorded history, music has played a significant role in the healing of humankind, writes Amrita Cottrell, who has researched the subject with immense care. Music and healing were communal activities natural to everyone. In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and medicine.
A sound wave basically causes changes in air pressure as it moves through the air. Our ears respond to this information and our brain processes it into sound information.
There are a number of researchers currently working with sound looking to effect a change in the physical body and/or the etheric field.
A second principle that music utilises in affecting patients is the principle of diversion. This method of utilising music and sound is helpful in taking the attention away from an unpleasant or unwanted situation.
Not yet a systematised discipline, there are different methods to approach music therapy. These includes
The improvisational model often includes Nordoff-Robbins, Clinical Orff Schulwerk, or other types of improvisational styles. The basic philosophy of improvisational music therapy is that these techniques elicit a client’s response from every level.
Continue reading Music Therapy: Improvisational Music Therapy
John Oliver believes music has a profound influence on the human body. John Oliver is an Associate I Composer of the Canadian *”Music Centre and co-director of Earsay Productions.
This approach, utilising the method of music education developed by Carl Orff for German school children, has been specially adapted for mentally retarded and autistic children in the United States.
GIM or Guided Imagery and Music is a technique in which the act of listening to classical music is combined with a relaxed state of mind and body in order to evoke imagery for the purpose of self-actualisation.
Singing and discussion is a typical music therapy method that can be used for adolescent populations as well as for the elderly. The music stimulates clients’ responses to the lyric parts. Sometimes the music itself encourages the expression of thoughts and feelings associated with the songs.
Continue reading Music Therapy: Singing and Discussion Method
Music beats have a very close relationship with heartbeats. Music having 70-75 beats per minute equivalent to the normal heartbeat of 72 has a very soothing effect. Likewise rhythms that are slower than 72 beats per minute create a positive suspense on the mind and body since the mind-body complex anticipates that the music will speed up and this restored vital energy gives a deep relaxation to the body. Rhythms that are faster than the heart rate excite and rejuvenate the body.