What Is Music Therapy and The Benefits?
Throughout the centuries, as far back as biblical times, there has not been proof found of a society without music. The history books do show there have been societies which lacked the ability to read, write, and even speak. Music has always been a part of our world, in one form or another.
During World War II musicians offered to play in an effort to entertain wounded servicemen. It was during this time the roots of music therapy as a healing profession began. It is here where we answer the question – What is Music Therapy and The Benefits?
The original idea of playing music to the servicemen was to divert their attention from the boredom and routine of the hospital. Benefits of listening to the music was far greater than anyone would have imagined.
Musicians started having regular scheduled performances for the servicemen which allowed these injured men to reap the following benefits:
- Improvement in Depression
- Greater socializing amongst the patients
- Enhanced morale
- Increased emotional expression
- Improved contact with reality
Since World War II - music therapy has become increasingly recognized as a practical and productive energy for an extensive range of physical, emotional, as well as mental conditions.
Over time there has been extensive research which now exists, which has measured and validated the psychological and physiological benefits of music on human development as well as behavior.
In 1992 I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident which I was fortunate to walk away from. The accident left me with life changing injuries, which were both of a physical and mental nature.
Prior to my accident I always played guitar in my spare time which gave me some time to re-energize, allowing me to focus clearer and make better decisions.
During my recovery period playing guitar was not possible due to the extent of my injuries. I had no choice but to simply lay back and listen to music.
It was out of habit my first choice of music was country music – slower ballads. I use to enjoy playing these types of songs on the guitar and singing only because I found it was good exercise for the vocals. My wife started to notice depression having an effect on my well being. It was during this time my music interests changed drastically and I realized the benefits of certain types of music and how music affected my mind.
At night when putting our daughter to sleep, my wife would play piano music from a CD as a test – no lyrics just music. She noticed this was also having a positive, therapeutic impact on my mental state of mind and after a week I myself noticed the positive effect the music had on my mind.
- Improvement in my depression
- Appetite was improving
- Energy was improving
- Sleep pattern was much better
As a result of these initial benefits we decided to purchase other types of music which by times contained lyrics of a positive nature. Within two weeks I noticed huge benefits:
- Depression was almost gone
- Mental Focus was better
- Pain tolerance improved
- Energy increased even more
- Instead of planning for the worse I started to find ways to make things happen
After my accident our family doctor told my wife she should not expect my return to work be any earlier than 6-8 months. Everyday I continued to listen to uplifting music which I attribute my early recovery to. In less than 3 months I was back to work full time.
If you are suffering from extreme or even mild pain, depressed, feeling hopeless or anything described above don’t assume music will cure your ailments without medication. Start some music therapy with the guidance of a therapist or even your family doctor. There are a ton of resources to help you with what types of music would be suitable for you.
It may be fact that you do require temporary or long term medical care but to enhance the healing process create or get help creating a music therapy program which will work best for you. The sound of music can enhance the healing process for your body and mind and help you to understand – What is Music Therapy and The Benefits.
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Healing Music | Healing Music Advisor | 
November 28, 2008 12:23 am
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