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| HEALTH |
| Music for Health |
Long before we were aware of the scientific and technical attributes of ‘music’ the effects of various forms of music have been known and utilised from early in mans history.
From the well documented use of Military Music to inspire or create fear in major battles and skirmishes throughout our troubled past, to the much more pleasing accounts of Greek physicians arranging to take their patients out of Hospital to attend musical concerts in the local amphitheatre in the knowledge that music would aid recovery.
Centuries before that we have the Biblical reference to David (later to be King David) attempting, (in this instance, unsuccessfully!) to placate his King by playing a Harp, which almost resulted in the players demise. Down through the ages instrumental and vocal refrains have permeated and in some instances, dominated forms of religious devotions, from the tribal drum through to the Oriental Gong and Bell and Gregorian Chants to the massed Cathedral Choirs that characterise many State, Religious, or Public occasions.
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In comparatively recent times there is a growing field of study into just what effects music has on the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the human race. Some of this is driven by the fact that Music in all its forms is available by some means or other to a great percentage of the population continuously, indoors or out, whether static or on the move. We have progressed (?) from the family singalong to the first home Radios and the Stereogram!). Surround or Theatre Sound, Portable Radios, Cassette Players, C D’s, Walkman Personal Players, Mini Discs, MP3, iPod, Mobile phones with integrated players - in fact progress is so fast in this field that it is hard to keep abreast of the improvements and minituarising of the systems available. But what is all this noise doing to us?
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Apart from the ways music has been used in the past, today we see a trend towards recognition of the benefits that sypathetic use of music has in a therapeutic way. Allow me to illustrate in one particular area, i.e. the elderly and those affected by forms of ageing or dementia.
Some fifteen years ago a well respected musical arranger and professional pianist almost unwittingly embarked on a mission to apply his talents and musical knowledge to brightening the life of a very poorly relative who found it difficult to respond to the usual sympathetic visits. Despite his best intentions it proved extremely difficult to arouse the spirit of this poor man until music was introduced into the visits, with a marked difference observeable in the ‘patients’ attitude and bearing.
The results were very marked, as attested to by residents and Care Managers alike. Over a fairly short period of time, improvement was noticed. With spirits raised and circulation improved, social bonding increased as did appetites!
Music, what a wonderful aid to health and well being, plus you don’t need a prescription - and cost can be minimal or zero!
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