Have you heard of Music Therapy?

Music has power and you certainly must have heard it from someone or at least have read about it somewhere. But what kind of power exactly is associated with music?

Well, this post would have to be greatly amplified so I could write a more complete answer... But since the focus is music therapy, let's get to it then.

By definition, Music Therapy:

A set of techniques based on music and used in the clinical treatment of somatic, psychic or psychosomatic problems. It basically uses music and its elements - sound, rhythm, melody and harmony - for the physical, mental and social rehabilitation of individuals or groups.

ASU Now

Music Therapy (with an "official" name) came after World War II, when musicians played and sang near the wards to relieve the suffering and pain of the soldiers. It was almost like a big party for the health of those who were sick there.

Although it didn't have this nomenclature in previous decades, music therapy was already present from the beginning of the history of humanity. It is necessary only to look for some historical record (of easy access), as for example some archaeological research or works of philosophers / writers of the antiquity (ancient age), that express clearly the importance and the power that the music carries, propitiando what would come the be recognized as achievements for human health / psyche.

Nordoff Robbins

Officially being recognized as a profession (being regulated as a regulated activity through training courses) only in 1950, in the United States, Music Therapy arrived in Brazil around 1970, more precisely in 1972, after the creation of the first Music Therapy at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music.

Despite being a profession / course with a considerable index of demand and prestige (offering various options of professional courses throughout the country), it still suffers from a great deal of prejudice on the part of the large population and also the scientific community itself... Both groups, because they do not believe that this science and the techniques applied by it are officially responsible for the cure of patients.

However, the struggle of everyone who believes in Music Therapy does not stop. Studies and research into professional courses continue, and science is gaining more and more supporters who strongly believe in the power of music as they believe in the potential that is yet to be discovered.

UCSF

Currently, according to Neurologists, some of the benefits related to music therapy are:

• Create, Improve, or Improve the channels through which people seek to communicate;

• Direct crash in the fight against depression;

• Inherent memory benefits;

• Stimulation of motor coordination;

• Integration or social reintegration through - or not, depending on the patient - specific profiles;

• Pure pleasure for the well-being of all those who seek help.

With regard to the techniques that are used in music therapy are present:

• Instrumental improvisation, be it melodic and / or percussive stimulating the sensory part of the brain;

• Recreating music lyrics with the aim of stimulating / forcing the mind to work in a more "complex" way;

• Use of spoken and sung voice so that the patient feels really immersed as part of the treatment;

• Lyre table and sound tubes as very important tools;

• Passive and interactive hearing (body language and dance or other forms that fit better);

• Develop creativity in general considering the unique profiles of the patients;

• Provide assistance in the issue of hospital humanization, aiming at the evolution of hospitalized patients (especially those in ICU rooms).

PennState Health

With virtually no restrictions being placed on people seeking Music Therapy, it is indicated - generally speaking - for all those seeking to restore physical, psychological and social balance.

Music really has power (and it's not just in the poetic sense).