Striking the right chord

Doctors are increasingly using music therapy to alleviate depression, but does it really work?

American writer Kahlil Gibran described music perfectly when he said, “Music is the language of the spirit which opens the secrets of life, bringing peace, abolishing strife.”

We cannot deny the power of music because each and every one of us has experienced it first hand - when we basked in romantic ballads following a break-up or banged our heads to the beat of a heavy metal song. There is something soothing about music that touches us deep inside, irrespective of the genre. It can liven up a stale room, uplift our moods and help us express what words cannot do justice to.

For years, scientists have been enthralled by the effect music has on mankind, conducting numerous studies and experiments and ultimately, inventing music therapy. Arguably, the concept of music therapy might be dated, seeing as how music is one of the oldest forms of art known to man. But it really caught on following the 2011 shootout in Tucson, Arizona wherein American congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head. The wounds were so serious that Gabrielle ended up losing speech and music therapy was one of the measures undertaken to pull her through. According to her therapist Meagan Morrow, helping Gabrielle regain her own voice has given music therapy a voice too, so much so that the Meagan was named ‘Person of the Year’ by journalist David Muir.

In a nutshell, music therapy involves playing or listening to music as treatment for various mental and physical ailments. These range from psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety to physiological issues such as insomnia, substance addiction and even heart disease. “Different facets of music, such as the physical, emotional, social and aesthetic features are effectively made use of by a trained professional,” explains Sohail Khan, a qualified music therapist. Sohail is the pioneer of this practice here in Pakistan and in 2010 launched the first Music Therapy Centre in Karachi.

Through the interweaving of seven notes in and out, the way music casts its influence on the psyche of the listener is nothing short than magical. Khaleeq-uz-Zaman, head of neurosurgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, believes the key lies in the rhythm of a song. “Any kind of music soothes the nerves. The genre of music that suits people the most benefits them the best,” says Khaleeq. Research conducted at McGill University in Canada corroborates this, suggesting that music is a great anti-anxiolytic (a drug used to reduce anxiety) as compared to medicines.



This form of therapy has gained credence over the years, paving its way into hospitals, schools, private gatherings and even community centres. Many doctors and therapists recommend music therapy to alleviate existing or possible depression in their patients. Although no side effects have yet been recorded, the process is a lot more complicated than one might expect. “Before the therapy is commenced, a rigorous plan must be worked out in collaboration with the patient, highlighting the process and its goals,” explains Sohail. “There is a round of interviews with the patient’s family as well. Reviewing the patient’s records and conducting some standardised assessment tests furthers the cause of the music therapist.”

There are many success stories to credit music therapy and the many advantages it serves. Unfortunately, the concept is still relatively nascent in Pakistan. The case of former engineer Henry Shelton from Sheffield, United Kingdom, however, is a great example of how music therapy can improve one’s quality of life. For the past six years, the 74-year-old has been residing in a nursing home on account of his deteriorating health. His dementia and sporadic seizures have escalated to the point that he no longer recognises his own daughter, Kathryn. A student of psychology at University of Sheffield, Kathryn vouches for music therapy, saying, “When subjected to music, my otherwise introverted father eloquently expresses how much it has helped him through his austere times.”

Pakistan lies at the other end of the spectrum as the lack of awareness and acceptance of music therapy has hindered progress. According to consultant psychologist Qudsia Mehmood, “Music benefits the nervous system and overall body greatly. But Pakistan doesn’t yet realise the advantages that it can provide.” But with an increasing number of local doctors, therapists and patients turning their heads towards the practice, things might be looking up for music therapy. 

Zohaib Amjad is a scientist with a major in molecular pathology. He tweets as @infectiousuni



Reliving Through Music

The benefits of music therapy

Shakespeare was right when he said, “If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it.” This popular quote from Shakespeare’s comedy play Twelfth Night has been echoed by many who seek pleasure in music. Little do they know that this particular hobby is reaping greater benefits than simply entertaining them for a while.

Body management

Slow, relaxing music has been found to lower blood pressure and regulate the pulse and breathing rates. Also, antibodies – used by the immune system to identify and neutralise pathogen – multiply when exposed to music.

Pain-killer

Music has been proven to abate the perception of pain in our minds. According to a 2011 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, listening to music lowers stress and pain hormones.

Forms of Music THERAPY



Music therapy can either be administered in the form of a group setting or one-on-one sessions. Group therapy is generally opted for by those who find comfort in social interaction. A typical therapy session may involve:

• Singing and making music with different instruments.

• Moving to music or light dancing.

• Writing songs and analysing lyrics.

• Rehearsal of social skills and role playing.



An intelligence booster



Tune Your Brain, authored by the ethnomusicologist Elizabeth Miles, elaborates that classical music helps in learning, memory, creativity and focus.

Developes motor coordination

Research has indicated a correlation between rhythm and movement. The rhythmic areas of the brain are stimulated when they hear music, which in turn spurs motor responses and reflexes. Poor coordination and balance issues, such as a walking stride or gait, can be perfected using music therapy. Although this may sound complicated, the process involves simple activities like tapping your feet in synchronisation with a partner.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, July 26^th, 2015.