The use of music to restore and maintain emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health is known as Music Therapy. A therapeutic tool, it uses various structured activities like singing, playing instruments, moving to music etc. to improve the patients physical and mental functioning. A trained music therapist administers the music.It involves imaging to music in an alternate state of consciousness while sharing the imagery experience with a therapist. When used as a therapeutic tool, it can lead to a deep uncovering of hidden emotions and also can stimulate creative insights.
Music therapy targets a wide range of clinical populations and ages. It works towards specific therapeutic goals and objectives, which include communicative, motor, emotional, social and academic skills. The main concern is the effect of the music on the patient’s behaviour, and not on the development of his musical skills.
Music therapy is commonly used in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centres, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centres, community mental health centres, drug and alcohol programmes, senior citizen centres, nursing homes and even in schools.
It involves assessing the emotional well being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills of the patient through musical responses. The therapist then designs or composes music for based on patients needs.
To achieve this the patient and the therapist may compose songs or sing them to help in expressing feelings. Alternatively patients are also encouraged to learn playing instruments, which help in improving their motor skills. With this technique the therapist helps the patient in giving a vent to his unspoken emotions.Developed by Dr. Helen Bonny, a music therapist, this process leads to self-actualisation and healing.
Benefits:
Helps in improving communication skills
Improves academic and motor skills
Increases attention span
Strengthens social and leisure skills
Helps in pain management
Stress reduction
Music has a different meaning to different people. To some, it brings them closer to nature. To some, it brings calmness, or energises them and sharpens their mental powers. It can be used to bring the patients in a meditative mood. Early music such as Georgian chants, help in relaxation. Our brainwaves come in an Alpha state. 'Alpha rhythms' support creative pursuits by putting us in a receptive 'ear state'. As the music stimulates the right brain faculties, it not only puts us in a dreamy state that evokes imagery and awakens feelings, but also relaxes, refreshes and regenerates.
(From www.galaxyofhealth.com)
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