The
Healing Power of Music
Healing Power of Music
What better “medicine” than a “treatment”
that has only positive side effects and “therapy” that is actually enjoyable?
That is the “miracle of music” when applied with intention. Music is shown to
have the ability to help organize the brain; especially vital to those who are
afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
Usually after twenty minutes of music, there are observable effects, such as
singing, foot tapping, and clapping. Studies have shown that the results of a
musical therapy session last for several hours afterward. Positive results
include elevated mood, increased socialization and appetite and reduction in
agitation. These benefits are attributed to the stimulation the brain receives
during a music therapy session, a sort of “cognitive workout” inspiring us to
coin the phrase, “What exercise is to the body, music is to the brain.” The
power of music often inspires physical movement and can be used in combination
to encourage gentle exercise.
As speech, writing and traditional forms of communication are compromised,
music provides an alternative means of maintaining a connection, thereby
helping to normalize interaction between caregiver and patient. Music used
therapeutically creates an environment where the patient can be nurtured and
cared for in a way that is safe, gentle and appropriate. Music is central to
maintaining human bonds when those with dementia have lost the ability to
initiate communication or to respond verbally.
The powers of music when focused and used therapeutically are many. Critical to
maintaining quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s is management of
emotions and preserving the connection with others. Music is conducive to
keeping those connections strong as long as possible while helping the participant
to focus, increase awareness and orient to the environment. A number of
research studies have looked at music therapy as an important adjunct to
medical treatment and findings suggest a possible link between the use of music
and slowing the progression of dementia.
From the rhythms of the heartbeat experienced in the womb to the stirring
sounds of a marching band, rhythmic patterns and music surround us. Language
itself has a musical quality to it and from the beginning of mankind, as
expressed through chanting and drumming, resembled music more closely than
speech. Music is primal to life and expressed by each of us every day whether
through dancing to a favorite tune, keeping rhythm with a pencil or remembering
a special time when hearing a forgotten melody. It is central to our lives and
is embedded in our culture, defining how we acknowledge milestones, rites of
passage and celebrations as well as providing comfort, transformation and
inspiration. Music links us to our world and provides a pathway back to our
past.
You don’tthat has only positive side effects and “therapy” that is actually enjoyable?
That is the “miracle of music” when applied with intention. Music is shown to
have the ability to help organize the brain; especially vital to those who are
afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
Usually after twenty minutes of music, there are observable effects, such as
singing, foot tapping, and clapping. Studies have shown that the results of a
musical therapy session last for several hours afterward. Positive results
include elevated mood, increased socialization and appetite and reduction in
agitation. These benefits are attributed to the stimulation the brain receives
during a music therapy session, a sort of “cognitive workout” inspiring us to
coin the phrase, “What exercise is to the body, music is to the brain.” The
power of music often inspires physical movement and can be used in combination
to encourage gentle exercise.
As speech, writing and traditional forms of communication are compromised,
music provides an alternative means of maintaining a connection, thereby
helping to normalize interaction between caregiver and patient. Music used
therapeutically creates an environment where the patient can be nurtured and
cared for in a way that is safe, gentle and appropriate. Music is central to
maintaining human bonds when those with dementia have lost the ability to
initiate communication or to respond verbally.
The powers of music when focused and used therapeutically are many. Critical to
maintaining quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s is management of
emotions and preserving the connection with others. Music is conducive to
keeping those connections strong as long as possible while helping the participant
to focus, increase awareness and orient to the environment. A number of
research studies have looked at music therapy as an important adjunct to
medical treatment and findings suggest a possible link between the use of music
and slowing the progression of dementia.
From the rhythms of the heartbeat experienced in the womb to the stirring
sounds of a marching band, rhythmic patterns and music surround us. Language
itself has a musical quality to it and from the beginning of mankind, as
expressed through chanting and drumming, resembled music more closely than
speech. Music is primal to life and expressed by each of us every day whether
through dancing to a favorite tune, keeping rhythm with a pencil or remembering
a special time when hearing a forgotten melody. It is central to our lives and
is embedded in our culture, defining how we acknowledge milestones, rites of
passage and celebrations as well as providing comfort, transformation and
inspiration. Music links us to our world and provides a pathway back to our
past.
need to have any special musical training to institute a therapeutic music
program. You will need to select appropriate music, however. This music
consists of familiar tunes from the 30s, 40s and 50s with more contemporary
music included, depending on the preference or age of the participant. Before
you invest in any CDs, check in your own home for possible sources of music.
Your local library is a good source. Consider individual preferences and select
music that is singable and upbeat.
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