Music therapy: what it is and what are its benefits
In addition to being pleasant to the hearing, music has extraordinary beneficial effects from a psychological point of view, representing an art and a means of expression at the same time, able to influence people's moods, relax, excite In short, in short, sounds, melodies and, in general, non-verbal language have an infinite potential that can also be exploited for therapeutic purposes, not only for hedonistic and pure entertainment purposes.
Music therapy arises precisely from this premise and is considered a discipline based on the use of music as an educational and rehabilitative tool, a real therapeutic rehabilitative approach, adjuvant and complementary in cases of particular pathologies of various spectrum, although it is not recognized by medicine. official.
Its essence - a non-verbal communication - allows the establishment of an intense and profound relationship between patient and therapist, allowing the former to express with physical language, feelings and emotions that often remain trapped and struggle to find a voice, necessarily mediated through the logical and rational channel. It therefore allows you to consolidate the relationship and lead it to a deeper level that reaches into the maze of the most intimate life, all thanks to the immaterial power of sound and its multiple and suggestive evocations, which vary from person per person.
After all, it is no secret that releasing emotions greatly helps the person and his physical and psychological well-being. Simply think of the liberating power of crying, a real panacea not only for our psyche but also for the body ...
What is music therapy specifically?
Music therapy, as anticipated, through the use of musical elements (sound, rhythm, melody and harmony) aims to stimulate the different brain areas to favor and satisfy the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of the individual and improve their quality of life, the relationship with oneself and the social and interpersonal dimension.
Music therapy, which is characterized as active and receptive, acts on different spheres, including communication, motor skills, relationships, learning, expression, thanks to the musical sound language and its non-verbal stimuli, able to to solicit effective and spontaneous responses, fruit of a relationship within which both parties must recognize and connect, giving rise to an encounter of knowledge of oneself and of the other.
- Active music therapy: corresponds to the active action of playing. The interaction between patient and music therapist focuses on the direct production of sounds through the use of the voice, musical instruments or simple objects;
- Receptive music therapy: it is based instead on "listening to sounds and musical pieces. However, it is not a" strictly passive "activity, as this second type stimulates a series of targeted actions, including perception and imagination through the processing of various melodies and the proposed sounds.
The choice of one or another type strongly depends on the characteristics of the patient, therefore it is essential that the therapist comes into contact with him and his most intimate peculiarities. Obviously, often the path mediates both disciplines and approaches.
How does the process happen?
The therapeutic approach is based on the intent to awaken the ISO, that is the sound identity through various musical manifestations. Just as it happens with perfumes, flavors, events and people, which are able to arouse memories, thoughts and sensations, music can also play a central role in stimulating a sensitive, emotional and cognitive response that is sometimes more effective than the classic paths of logical-rational type.
Within the therapeutic relationship there are actually two sonic identities that come into play, that of the patient - without a doubt - but also that of the music therapist, who, first of all, must begin the "dialogue" through sounds and musical languages, bringing to the unveiling of the ISO of his interlocutor, which will then act as an initial tool from which many and various sensations will take shape like free butterflies towards the sky, with beneficial effects on the emotional, mental and cognitive state of the individual.
For example, it has been shown that listening to Mozart's melodies can have a positive influence on mental performance (Mozart effect); in general, finding the right sound keys for the patient (whether they are pieces of music, sounds, melodies, voices or noises) ) can favor the unfolding of a greater expressive, sensorial, relationship and elaboration capacity.
The benefits of music therapy
Since the past, the fundamental value of music for inner and physical well-being has been recognized, identified above all in the ability to relax and remove states of tension or agitation, and, even today, although music therapy is not recognized as an effective medicine, it is it is recommended to use it in some pathological and paraphysiological situations to improve physical condition, relieve complex and varied symptoms, soothe ailments and give a greater state of calm and well-being.
Several studies and researches have shown over time that music has the power to intervene on the brain and on the activities of neurons, which are stimulated and pushed to the production of betaendorfins, the hormones of good mood that can act as natural analgesics. In particular, from a cerebral point of view, music would favor concentration and calculation skills.
But not only that, sounds and melodies can also be good for blood pressure, circulation, breathing and digestion. Music therapy is also particularly useful for treating cases of insomnia, anxiety and depression, as well as for relieving pain in the terminally ill and stimulating disabled people or people with important pathologies or traumas.
Adjuvant treatment for some ailments
Then there are some specific pathologies that can be positively affected by the effect of music therapy. Among these we mention dyslexia, autism, psychosis, psychic pathologies or Alzheimer's.
It should not surprise you then, the fact that it represents a rehabilitation treatment also for those suffering from motor disabilities or eating disorders.
Also useful in pregnancy
Music therapy can also be a perfect help during pregnancy to promote the physical and mental development of the fetus and relax the future mother.
The hearing of the unborn child begins to develop around the 27th week of pregnancy, therefore starting from that moment it may be useful to have the fetus listen to music, preferably classical: for example, the sonatas of Chopin and Mozart are ideal because they are based on a sequence simple, linear and stimulating musical. In general, it is good to opt for musical pieces with a sweet and delicate rhythm, avoiding those that are too aggressive or excited that could lead to agitation.
In this case, music is a precious link between the mother and the child, a sort of first channel of communication, even if, it must be remembered, the mother's voice is the best tool to establish a connection between the two.
It is also a concrete help for babies born prematurely or in the first months of the newborn.
Music therapy and children
Even in children, music can have a relevance that should not be underestimated, especially if they have behavioral difficulties or psychological problems. For example, it can act as a calming, stimulate creativity, improve relationship skills, also playing an important social role of aggregation and cohesion.
It is also very useful in cases of dyslexia or autism, providing a new language with a thousand potentials capable of stimulating cognitive and emotional spheres that the rational-logical approach may not be able to move.
In general, music represents a highly effective means of expression for the little ones, but also for older children, up to adolescence. The conservatory and the study of a musical instrument can only lead to an enrichment of the inner, social and emotional life of the boy, helping him to cultivate a passion that will accompany him throughout his existence but also to stimulate a more creative and logical part of the same time. The study of music is in fact a discipline that requires commitment, perseverance and rigor, allowing the youngest to immediately learn the importance of method and work for achieving success and satisfaction in every area of life. This is why this discipline should be included in every school to encourage the development of a predisposition to sound and musical language and thus initiate the new generations to a sensitivity and an approach full of potential and benefits in several areas.
