|
Music therapy has been a recognized health care profession in America for over fifty years. It is the use of musical interventions to address physical symptoms.
Music therapy gained a very positive reputation following its success in treating soldiers of both world wars. Physical and psychological trauma can be reached and soothed through music because it is a vehicle for communication that need not involve words.
There is some pain too great for language. In these cases, music is improvised to entrain to the patient's respiration, heart rate and other presenting features. Once aligned, the therapist moves the rhythm, phrasing, tempo, harmony, and melody toward a more relaxed state. Since the human body contains so many rhythms, it can't help but follow the music. Many pain patients fall asleep during the session. Other musical techniques can be taught to chronic pain sufferers to distract or alleviate the pain.
Musical entrainment is effective in reaching the unconscious patient and supporting the waking process. The most frequently heard comment is, "I don't exactly remember the music, but I know that I was not alone."
Song writing is often used at life transition points. Lullabies for new babies and meditations for dying patients offer a safe container for intimate thoughts and feelings. Music has enough structure to contain a patient's fear.
Anxiety and depression usually accompanies illness. Yet, most people do not consider psychotherapy. Music therapy addresses the issues in a non-threatening and noninvasive manner. Musical energy can support and lift patients enough to often be the decisive factor that creates comfort instead of distress during times of illness.
|
|
