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Healing with one sound at a time
Music has the potential to not only lift one’s mood but also restore and improve a person’s overall wellbeing. Here’s what experts have to say about music therapy
Music has been one of the oldest forms of entertainment that helps us connect with our loved ones, deal with difficult times and most importantly, soothe us. Experts suggest that music therapy helps with psychiatric disorders, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders and interpersonal problems, among many others. With World Music Day celebrated recently, we speak to experts on the benefits of music therapy and more.
WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
The use of music in therapeutic value for a disorder or ailment is categorised as music therapy. It has to be practised by a professional or certified personnel only. According to Dr Pawan Ojha, neurologist, headache and vertigo clinic, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, music evokes a feeling that results in emotional or physical change. He says, “A noninvasive technique of music’s rhythm can facilitate active recovery of patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.” It is also known to help with stress reduction, improve learning and build self-confidence.
There are two types of music therapies, active and passive. In active therapy, the interaction between the patient and therapist is equal. In passive, the patient is at rest yet listening to the therapist.
Pt Shashank Katti, sitarist and founder, Sur Sanjeevan Music Therapy, focuses on the mythology and theory of music therapy. He has developed a specialised theory with guidance from doctors. “The treatment of psychological or physical imbalance created in one’s body through music, is what we call music therapy.
However, not everyone can claim
to treat you with it. You need a certified doctor or expert to help you. There are specific therapies based on classical music tradition, concepts of Ayurved, modern medical inventions and mood elevation,” says Katti.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Music and its therapeutic aspect are inseparable and have always walked hand in hand. Varun Venkit, founder, Taal inc, says, “As I started spending more and more time with the drum kit and the
djembe, I realised that rhythm brings our entire being to one current moment. This, in and of itself, is therapyin-action.
I have dedicated my life towards spreading awareness of the magic of the ‘non-musical stuff’ of music. The response that we get for our sessions with corporates, community and special needs groups, help reassure our resolve and move forward with confidence and motivation.”
Venkit, who also holds an MA in clinical psychology and masters in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) further adds, “In today’s world, anything that can occupy all of our being is worth investing time and energy in.” According to Katti, music therapy depends on correct intonation and right use of the basic elements of music. “You have to focus on rhythm, volume, beats, notes and piece of melody. It starts with the relaxation technique, now here you have to know that not everyone will have a common relaxing music choice. Also, relaxation music will not necessarily be curing music. You may sometimes have to pick music out of your choice to cure your ailment or disorder,” he says.
BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY
◾ Helps reduce anxiety, the physical effects of stress and improves healing
◾ Helps manage Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and reduces symptoms of psychological disorders
◾ Drumming is known to stimulate blood circulation, facilitate the release of endorphins and dopamine, which helps relieve stress and in experiencing catharsis
◾ Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) can be greatly relieved by sound therapy.
The response that we get for our sessions with corporates, community and special needs groups even, helps reassure our resolve and move forward with confidence and motivation. VARUN VENKIT, FOUNDER, TAAL INC