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The Specialized Use of Music
Music is a universal language. It influences all levels of human existence. It is a
medium for communication, which can be both a pleasant and healing experience.
Modem science and medicine are now rediscovering the healing powers of music. And
music therapy - the specialized use of music in treating persons with special needs in
mental and physical health, rehabilitation and special education - is gaining ground. In
the West it is now an accepted form of treatment even within orthodox medical
practice.
It is believed that music stimulates the pituitary gland, whose secretions affect the
nervous system and the flow of blood. To be healed by music, it is necessary to
vibrate the cells of the body, for it is through these vibrations that the diseased
person's consciousness can be changed effectively to promote health. The right kind
of music helps one relax and refresh. Even during the course of working, light music
improves efficiency.
Listening to music helps control negative aspects of our personality like worry, bias
and anger. In addition, it can help cure headache, abdominal pain and tension. Music
therapy is one of the most effective ways of controlling emotions, blood pressure and
restoring the functioning of the liver.
Music therapy is an efficacious and valid treatment for persons who have
psychosocial, affective, cognitive and communicative needs. Research results and
clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in those who are
resistive to other treatment approaches. Music is a form of sensory stimulation that
provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability and feelings of security
associated with it.
Music therapists use music activities, both instrumental and vocal, which are designed
to facilitate changes that are non-musical in nature. Music therapy programs are
based on individual assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing programs
evaluation. Frequently functioning as members of an interdisciplinary team, music
therapists implement programs with groups or individuals that display a vast
continuum of needs, from reduction of anxiety to deeper self-understanding.
Music therapists work with the interdisciplinary team to assess emotional well-being,
physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills
through musical responses. When individualized music experiences are designed. by
the music therapist to fit functional abilities and needs, responses may be immediate
and readily apparent. Clients need not have a music background to benefit from
music therapy.
Music is capable of improving happiness, peace, health and concentration. It is,
however, important to know the method and duration for which music therapy is to be
administered. This knowledge can be obtained through regular experiments and
experience. The first step towards this is the correct diagnosis of the disease and then
the selection of the precise raga that will be helpful. Procedure, discipline and a
systematic method will help achieve this goal.
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