Music and sound have been used in healing practices throughout history, and the historical records of different cultures cite many examples of their healing powers (Wigram, Pedersen, & Bonde, 2004). Sound as a healing modality is probably as old as the first sound made by man or woman. Early humans used sounds in sacred and ritualistic ways to promote fertility, accept death, grow crops, and commemorate events (Goldman, 2017).
Pythagoras taught his students to change their emotions of worry, fear, sorrow, and anger by singing and playing a musical instrument daily. Other Western philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Nietzsche, considered the practical and theoretical role of music in relation to a person’s health. Plato discussed the influence of music on the human mind (American Music Therapy Association [AMTA], 2018).
More people listen to music than ever before in the history of the world, and there are more avenues for experiencing music than anyone could have predicted years ago. Many believe that music has the power to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
In an age when people increasingly turn to holistic methods of healing, music therapy has developed into a powerful and nonthreatening medium that can be used successfully with individuals of all ages and disabilities.
For example, music therapy often complements the treatment provided for individuals with neurological conditions, including brain injury, stroke, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Sound healing is used to help people recover from stroke and head injuries, it is effective in controlling nausea and pain (especially for the side effects of chemotherapy), and it is used in operating rooms to help relax clients and often to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed.
Sound healing and music therapy have greatly expanded in recent years. They have entered mainstream health care, with Medicare often covering them for clients who have Alzheimer’s disease, are recovering from strokes, or are learning to walk again.
HEALING WITH SOUND AND MUSIC
The healing power of music and sound is widely recognized by health professionals. Music therapy and sound healing are used in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, general hospitals, outpatient clinics, daycare treatment centers, residences for people with developmental disabilities, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.
Profound scientific, medical, psychological, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual connections are involved in the power of music. Healing with music combines music experiences with the inherent universal forms in music to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Like a tuning fork for the brain, music can stimulate specific regions to soothe emotions, boost the capacity for learning, and unlock creative genius (AMTA, 2018).