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The Healing Power of Music Essay

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In definition, music therapy is, “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals” (American Music Therapy). Music has been an element of the human psyche since early ancestors fell asleep to the rhythmic sounds of waves lapping against the shore and awoke to singing birds at daybreak. Theories on music therapy trace back to ancient Egypt where it was called the “physic of soul” in other words, a healing power (Podolsky). It gained resurgence during World Wars I and II, when volunteers played instruments and sang for wounded soldiers in hospitals. Music is integral to our culture and emotional health. Barbara Crowe, president of National Association for Music Therapy stated, "Music therapy can …show more content…

It seems only obvious since people smile, tap their feet or dance to the rhythm and timing of a song. For instance, people might hear a song on the radio and it immediately brings back memories or moods. Music in a minor key is usually thought of as sad-sounding as opposed to that written in a major key. “The cerebellum and amygdala work together to help differentiate between major and minor chords” (Science News).(explain) Responses to music therapy vary from person to person, but so does the response to many medicines. Applications and methods remain scattered and uncoordinated inhibiting potential for refining its use. Proper use of music therapy could decrease the dependency on prescription medicines and help the whole patient. On that note, music therapy should be funded to develop our knowledge of its effectiveness. Music therapy is often used with brain damaged patients with emotional issues such as anxiety in relationships, and the inability to handle difficult situations with peers and/or authority figures. Hearing music releases endorphins that trigger pleasant feelings in the frontal lobes of our brains that gives the satisfaction of emotions like love, happiness, and sadness. It affects the heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and muscle tension. Music with free style melodies like jazz is more relaxing than heavy metal rock’s screaming lyrics and driving beats. Music therapy helps patients express emotions when words cannot. (place such as

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