Music and Healing

Essay # 99997

Medical and Health
Music Studies
Psychology > Therapies

Music and Healing

This paper looks at music as a form of healing and therapy.

1,037 words () | 10 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that music serves a number of uses in the modern world. The writer discusses the power of music as a balm to the soul and notes that music as a component of medical treatment has been shown in numerous studies. The writer further points out that other analysts dispute such findings and do not see music as having a beneficial effect. The nature of whatever effect there might be is examined, along with specific programs for using music as a healing tool. The writer points out that music therapy has had some difficulty gaining acceptance because it has not been fully tested empirically and because it is often connected with alternative healing therapies that are truly questionable and in any case are rejected by the medical establishment. Paper includes summary of each of the sources used.

From the Paper:

"Music is used today in a variety of therapeutic programs in spite of the fact that there is no clear evidence that music provides the benefits claimed. One study that has been conducted does suggest that music can be an effective tool in promoting health in rehabilitation situations. In this study, the respondents consisted of the long-term ill over a one-year period, and the music used came from four CD compilations from different genres. The study shows that music can be an important tool in the process of change, though it does not show whether any particular type of music is more effective than others."

Sample of Sources Used:

Batt-Rawden, K.B. "Music: A Strategy to Promote Health in Rehabilitation? An Evaluation of Participation in a 'Music and Health Promotion Project.'" International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, Volume 29, Number 2 (2006), 171-173.
Bradley, Loretta J., James R. Cheek, William Lan. "Using Music Therapy Techniques to Treat Teacher Burnout." Journal of Mental Health Counseling, Volume 25, Issue 3 (2003), 204-206.
Bunt, Leslie. Music Therapy: An Art beyond Words. New York: Routledge, 1994.
Caffrey, R. and R.C. Locsin. "Music Listening as a Nursing Intervention: A Symphony of Practice." Holistic Nursing Practice, Volume 16, Number 3 (2002), 70-77.
Condon, Garrett. "Sound as a Healing Device Latest in Alternative Medicine." Oakland Tribune (25 July 2004). October 25, 2006. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20040725/ai_n14579724.