LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE ~ Can Singing & Music Heal?

copyright January 2007 HouseWife Mafia

CAN MUSIC & SINGING HEAL?

"Sing. Sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long.''
If musical therapists are correct, that advice given by the Carpenters decades ago in a song lyric
could be a recipe for good health.

What is it about music that might make an ailing person respond to it in such a
positive way? Is there any therapeutic magic in the melody? Is it the beat that gives stability to
the rhythm of life? Or is the lyrics that cast some kind of life-enhancing spell?

The answer to all of these questions seems to be, yes. For centuries, music has been
revered for its power to heal. Its therapeutic powers were recognised by the
Chinese, Hindus, ancient Greeks, and Arabs, as well as in primitive cultures. And
this ancient art is gradually being transformed into a modern science.

But in today's hectic environment, many people - especially those living in big cities - may easily
overlook this quality. Music, they think, is to soothe the ears, and singing can help you relax
and have fun at karaoke venues. Music therapy, if it exists, is for those suffering from physical or
mental problems.

But its usefulness, adherents say, extends much further than that.

``Music therapy is for everyone, regardless of sex and age,'' says Dusdi Banomyong, the famous
musician and singing teacher. ``It's not just for people who are clinically ill. For me, therapy with
music is one way to help people with any kind of emotional problem.''

She explains that such problems can result from the stress and tension that
inevitably accumulate in a highly competitive era of change. In extreme cases, the
final result can be mental illness.

Music,can neutralise stress and lift sagging emotions.

``When people sing, their bodies release endorphin, a mood-elevating hormone, and
the more of it that is released into their systems, the happier they feel,'' adds Dusdi,
who has recently been conducting a music therapy workshop called ``Music Restoration''.

Although local hospitals have been conducting music therapy workshops for over 15 years, few of
them have made extensive use of singing. Acharn Dusdi's workshop, however, assigns singing a
central role in the therapeutic process.

One elderly participant, 76-year- old granny Kulsri Kovinta, is enthusiastic, and explains why:
``At times I have attended therapy sessions given by private hospitals. There, a nurse would play a
piano or guitar and request participants to dance and sing. No attention was paid to how well or
poorly we sang. All they noticed was whether or not we could assume the body positions they
taught us. The purpose of the therapy was to see whether or not we could move in time to the
music. If we could, it meant our nerves and muscles were functioning properly.

``This course that emphasises singing makes me feel much more refreshed. I would like to sing all
the time.''

Previously, she continues, she was a familiar visitor at the hospitals. At her
advanced age, she was afraid that her irregular heartbeat was a sign of heart disease. When
stomach pains made it difficult for her to eat, she suspected an ulcer. On top of that, she suffered
from frequent headaches and always felt exhausted. But her doctor gave her a different diagnosis:
stress.

At that time, she was easily irritated and very fussy. Like many elderly people, she
liked to nitpick and was very difficult to please.

But music therapy has changed her life, and singing gives her a kind of pleasure
she never had before.

``I have lived with medicine for years. But now I feel my health is improving, so I am gradually
cutting back on the pills. Singing makes me enjoy my moments of privacy. Now even in the
bathroom, I sing,'' she chuckles.

Like singing, listening to light music can also dispel tension. For mental relaxation, it's useful to
listen to New Age or spiritual music, like Mystique Blue or Mystique Rain. While listening, those
practising musical therapy should try to imagine what the instrumental music is saying.

With careful listening and mindful breathing, this will lead to a deep sensation of restfulness, and
to a meditation-like state of mind.

What benefits can be expected from music therapy?

``Mindful breathing and concentration stabilise the metabolism,'' says Dr Petch. ``The body,
especially the heart, will really get a good rest. It also helps reduce the amount of acid in
the bladder. Medical research has also confirmed that mental concentration can lower the rate
of kidney disease development.''

Meanwhile, the endorphin it releases can reduce blood pressure and mental agitation.
It can also loosen clotted blood vessels, according to Dr Petch. Chinese acupuncture
stimulates endorphin release to ease pain.

To maintain good physical and mental health through music requires constant
practice . Like exercise, it must be done regularly.

Belt it out Girl - It's good for you!