All World
Gayatri Pariwar

Music as an Integrative Therapy in Health and Wellness

In ancient scriptures, music has been called as ‘Ïabda Brahma - N³da Brahma’. Rightly composed music has a tremendous effect on the body and mind of the singer as well as the listener. The concept of using music for healing is as ancient as music itself. In Sama Veda, methods for using music and specific ragas for curing various diseases have been described.

In ‘Bhaishaja Tantra’, Ashwini Kumaras have described four different ways of treating a particular ailment, namely – pavanaukaÌ, jalaukaÌ, vanaukaÌ and ï³bdik. The meaning of ï³bdik treatment relates to the use of sounds of mantras and rhythmic music. ‘Karnik Prabha’ by Kaunch Muni and ‘Shabda Kautuhal’ by Mainda Muni have given detailed descriptions of how a disease can be cured by the use of sounds emanated from different musical instruments like Veena, Sitar, Conch, Mridanga, Bugle, Cymbals and others. Music is full of life-giving energies and if rightly harnessed, can prove to be very beneficial for improving health and curing diseases. Let us see the modern perspective in this regard.

American musician Billy Joel has rightly said – “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” The elements of music - rhythm, melody, etc. – invigorate our body, mind and soul. This is what makes it possible to treat diseases using music. Eminent scientist V. V. Gardner, in his research article ‘Music Therapy’ has written that music influences the nervous system, the respiratory system, circulatory system and the endocrine system. This deep connection of physiological systems of human body with music has prompted many researchers to conduct studies on the effect of music on human health.

Investigators from McGill University in Canada found, in 2011, that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain - a mood-enhancing chemical; thus it can serve as a feasible treatment for depression. However, many investigators are finding that the potential health benefits of music may go beyond mental health. Considering this aspect, some health experts are advocating the feasible use of music therapy to improve - or even replace – current healing methods.

In 2015, a newsletter ‘Medical News Today’ reported on a study led by Brunel University in the UK that suggested music may reduce pain and anxiety for patients who have undergone surgery – “By analyzing 72 randomized controlled trials involving more than 7,000 patients who received surgery, researchers found those who were played music after their procedure reported feeling less pain and anxiety than those who did not listen to music, and they were also less likely to need pain medication.

This effect was even stronger for patients who got to choose the music they listened to.” The study leader Dr. Catharine Meads said: “If music was a drug, it would be marketable. [...] Music is a noninvasive, safe, cheap intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery.” A. Mofredj, S. Alaya and others have reviewed in the Journal of Critical Care (Vol. 35, p. 195, 2016) the potential therapeutic benefits of music therapy for the critically ill. They say – ‘Anxiety can impose harmful effects on the course of recovery and overall well-being of the patient.

Resulting adverse effects may prolong weaning and recovery time. Music listening ….can abate the stress response, decrease anxiety during mechanical ventilation, and induce an overall relaxation response without the use of medication. This relaxation response can lower cardiac workload and oxygen consumption resulting in more effective ventilation.’ Music’s effect on heart rate and its potential as a stress reliever has led a number of researchers to believe music may also be effective for treating heart conditions.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism (a brain disorder) is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are associated with a wide range of problems with communication, social interaction, as well as unusual, repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often show a heightened interest and response to music. Therefore, music therapy may be used in the teaching of verbal and nonverbal communication skills and in establishing normal developmental processes.

In older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other mental disorders, music therapy has been found to reduce aggressive or agitated behavior, reduce symptoms of dementia and improve mood. Music therapy may also decrease the risk of heart or brain diseases in elderly dementia patients. The research findings around the various music therapy interventions employed to augment health and wellness are rapidly growing and evolving.

Therefore, based on the substantial evidence that music offers numerous health benefits, many health experts are now advocating greater utilization of music therapy within health care centers.