Music for Health

 

Information Resources

By Evelyn Cunico, M.A., M.S.

Posted December 30, 2013

“Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
Spoken by Almeria in Act I, Scene 1 of The Mourning Bride [published, 1697], by William Congreve, English dramatist [1670-1729].

Music is a physical and spiritual healer. Music soothes the recovering patient and invokes spiritual power.

Music is a universal language. Music welcomes every person, regardless of culture, gender, political or religious persuasion, or social status. With melody and rhythm, music speaks and responds to everyone’s wellbeing.

Music is social engagement. Good music reaches out, invigorating body and mind. If music has a happy beat, it sends an invitation to listeners to be happy, too. If music is sad, it beckons, offering acceptance and understanding.

Music is a part of nature. Music is organic, drawing life from the song of a bird, or the gurgling of a brook, or the interlude in the silence of falling snow. Music conducts with gentle breezes that lift the mind from restlessness to peace.

Music is a versatile companion. Music embraces invigorating exercise, or calm solitude, or sprightly encouragement. Music lifts the human spirit, engendering clarity of thought and hope-filled insight.

See the following information resources for ways in which music intersects with medicine and health:

References

American Music Therapy Association. “Definition and Quotes about Music Therapy.”
(Accessed November 12, 2013)

Encyclopedia Britannica. “William Congreve (English dramatist) – Encyclopedia Britannica”
(Accessed October 18, 2013)

The Library of Congress: Music and the Brain: “Music and the Brain (Podcasts) (Library of Congress).” Two-Year Series: 2009-2011.
(Accessed November 03, 2013)

The New Yorker. “How Music Makes Us Feel Better.”
Posted by Maria Konnikova, September 26, 2013.
(Accessed September 30, 2013)

A disclaimer: the information presented in this blog should not replace the medical advice of your physician. You should not use  this information to diagnose or treat any disease without first consulting with your physician or other health care provider.