Can Music Heal Psychological Injury?
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As far back as 2000 BCE, the Assyrians recorded using music to avoid the influence of evil spirits (Conrad, 2010). Today, what was once perceived as evil spirits might be called a mental illness by the medically minded. Whether a person is influenced by evil spirits or has a mental illness, the idea that music can enhance or soothe the passions of the mind has historical precedence.
The Pythagoreans were pioneers in understanding the emotional effects of music. They introduced harmony theory and studied the profound influence of rhythm on our emotions (Conrad, 2010). Scientific measurements demonstrate that rhythm, the structural element of music determining which beats are accentuated, can affect brain activity. A note on a downbeat, the first note in a bar of music, increased hi-beta frequencies in the auditory region compared to notes not on the downbeat, indicating arousal or excitement (Cited by Patel, 2008).
Plato firmly believed harmony and rhythm could bestow grace upon the soul. Similarly, Aristotle was convinced that sacred music in religious rituals could cleanse and heal the soul and even dispel delusions (Conrad, 2010). No scientific evidence shows that music as a solo modality can dispel delusions. However, there is plenty of evidence that it can soothe the emotions. For example, in a hospital setting, soothing music provided by music therapists positively affected anxiety, reducing symptoms, including pulse and respiration rates. In addition, patients experienced less pain after music intervention (Fallek et al., 2020).
During the Middle Ages, the prevailing medical wisdom suggested that music could heal the mind, thus offering reassurance of healing for the body (Conrad, 2010). Psychophysiology, the study of the relationship between psychological and physiological functions, is the science of mind-body medicine. The psychophysiological effects of therapeutic music are well known. Consider this, music-induced relaxation counteracts the stress response, promoting homeostatic balance. Homeostasis is the dynamic fluctuations of the autonomic nervous system that keep the body running efficiently. Homeostasis promotes health.
Perhaps Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, and medieval medical wisdom were not far from the truth. Music influences emotions. Relaxing music can soothe emotions and quiet the mind, positively impacting psychological injury. Music can elicit the relaxation response. A robust relaxation practice reduces stress symptoms that can include mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Furthermore, a healthy mind is reflected in a person’s physiology and vice versa. Therefore, soothing music can result in a mind at peace and a body at rest. A body at rest is a body in repair and restoration mode. Likewise, a mind at peace positively impacts mental health and the quality of one’s life.
References
Conrad, C. (2010). Music for healing: From magic to medicine. Lancet, 376(9757), 1980–1981. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62251-9
Fallek, R., Corey, K., Qamar, A., Vernisie, S. N., Hoberman, A., Selwyn, P. A., Fausto, J. A., Marcus, P., Kvetan, V., & Lounsbury, D. W. (2020). Soothing the heart with music: A feasibility study of a bedside music therapy intervention for critically ill patients in an urban hospital setting. Palliative & Supportive Care, 18(1), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951519000294
Patel, A. (2008). Music, language, and the brain. Oxford University Press,
Video: Can Music Heal Psychological Injury?
Can Music Heal Psychological Injury?
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