HEALING TOUCH

Music, which started from 7 basic musical notes derived from sounds of nature or songs of various animals, has evolved considerably over time from mere entertainment to a form of therapy. It is being increasingly recognized that music can make a difference not just to our moods and relationships but to our health and recovery.

Our exposure to “music” probably starts from the 20^th week in the womb when the baby’s hearing faculties develop, and he “listens” to his mother’s heartbeat. The fluctuations of her heart rate brought on by anxiety, frustration, relaxation or rest are stored in the fetal brain as memories, often reflecting in later years, the moods and attitudes of the two-some.

Adolescents attach great importance to music often huddling as friends or partners based on a common taste or liking to a type of music – slow classical, to rhythmic melodies, to vocal,deep-throated emotional renderings, to pop, jazz or hard rock. This common “taste” often brings together people of similar emotional dispositions, common backgrounds and at times, common intra-uterine experiences. Little surprise then that music bonds so well!

The areas where music therapy has been used range from mood disorders in adolescents, learning disorders in children, heart diseases in adults, stress management, recovery from stroke and high blood pressure.

Although there are several techniques of using music as therapy, most schools follow the steps of assessing the patient’s need, studying his backgound and preferences, planning and preparing a varied combination and dose of music – not just listening, but playing or singing, composing and song-writing, and moving to music.

According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, around 3% of adolescents suffer from mood disorders, of whom 1% commit suicide. An average American adolescent listens to 4.5 hours of music every day. Those suffering from either variety of mood disorders, depression and bipolar, respond very well to music therapy, reporting emotional, social and daily-life benefits, along with formation of one’s own identity. It also provides a creative outlet for release or control of emotions, and improves coping behaviour, self esteem and mood swings.

Neuroscientists have shown that some portions of the brain show electrical activity when we listen to music. One of the methods being used by them therefore is to use music to stimulate these portions that have been knocked down by stroke. Indeed regular exposure to music has been shown to enhance recovery of both mental and physical functions in stroke patients.

I was fascinated to attend a programme for the elderly in Australia.These 80 year olds were made to feel lively again with music, and as they tapped their toes or shook their legs, they improved their neuro-muscular coordination, muscle strength and balance. And doing it with partners of the opposite sex added that extra zing.

The potential of music is waiting to be tapped. Listen to it and let it make a difference to your health and lives.

As published in HT City( Hindustan Times) dated 13 November, 2011.