Music Therapy

“Harmony is the inner cadence of contentment we feel when the melody of life is in tune.”
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Can you recall a time when you’re driving down the road in only a so-so mood?  Suddenly, your favorite song comes on the radio. You can’t help but grin from ear to ear, despite the endless traffic. Suddenly you feel revitalized and maybe even happier than just a few minutes before. Music therapist use this powerful connection between a person’s soul and music to assist in treating illness and maintaining well-being.

Although music therapy dates back to ancient healing ceremonies, it became prevalent after World War I and II when communities began entertaining recovering soldiers as a means to heal their physical and emotional wounds. The music proved to be beneficial in their recovery process and hospitals began staffing trained musicians.

Today, certified and licensed music therapists can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and many more clinical settings. Music therapy can include listening, recreating, playing an instrument, songwriting and lyric discussion. Professional therapists incorporate music strategies as treatment planning.

Clinical studies have proven music therapy can alleviate pain, fatigue and anxiety. It can lower heart rate and blood pressure, relaxing the body. It may cause the body to release endorphins which can counteract pain. Some studies have shown music to lower both postoperative physical pain and emotional distress while other studies show an alleviation in only emotional distress. Like most forms of alternative healing, this practice affects each individual differently. In addition, different types of music will affect individuals on a case by case basis.

Since music therapy has become a recognized form of therapy, conventional doctors may subscribe it, while more insurance companies include this form of therapy in their benefit packages, including Medicaid in a handful of states. To find a music therapist, contact the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., at info@musictherapy.org or (301) 589-3300.

A resource for ambient, relaxing, royalty free music visit the Ambient  Music Garden.