You are on page 1of 2

Next, we would like to compare and contrast the benefits of

music therapy based on the three articles. We found that the three
articles have mentioned that music therapy is a best tranquiliser to
release tension and promote relaxation to our body. Let us look at the
first article which the author mentions that symphonies of raga have a
definite soothing effect on mind as well as on the body. It’s rhythms
which are slower than 72 beats per minute also create a positive
suspense on the mind and body since the mind body anticipates that
the music will speed up and this restored vital energy gives a deep
relaxation to the body. Raga Darbari is considered very effective in
easing tension. This music raga contains all the seven notes and they
are taken from various natural sounds of birds and animals. For
example, Pandit Raghunath Seth’s Raga Darabari (instrumental) in a
Music Therapy cassette named Tanav is especially composed for
easing tension. In the same way, the second article has mentioned that
listening to music does wonders to alleviate stress and by playing
music in the background while we are working, it can reduce our stress
and can stimulate a relaxation response which can therefore lead to
physiological changes in the body. At last, the third article mentions
that music therapy can be effective at promoting relaxation, relieving
anxiety and stress, and treating depression.

Besides that, music therapy can facilitate healing and cure


disease based on the three articles. The first article mentions that the
old testament in bible mentions music therapy where King David is
said to have cured an illness by playing on the harp. Hippocrates, the
father of modern medicine, used music to cure human diseases. It can
lessen the pain of women during childbirth and the famous musician of
South India had brought a dead person back to life by singing the
composition. Music therapy can also help to cure low blood pressure.
Based on the second article, it mentions that music can reduce the
pain during dental procedures and can reduce the heart rates. During
the World Wars, music was used in the hospitals in the rehabilitation
and recovery of soldiers who had suffered physical or emotional
trauma. Besides, it is known by producing related benefits such as
lower blood pressure, improved respiration, reduced heart rate, better
cardiac performance and reduced tension in muscles. Children with
developmental and learning difficulties, children and adults with
autism spectrum disorder or special needs as well as the elderly and
dementia sufferers have all been shown to benefit from music therapy.
Next, the third article has mentioned that music therapy can be used
to complement the treatment of AIDS, stroke, Parkinson’s and cancer.
It is useful in newborn care of premature infants, and when children
undergo medical and surgical procedures. It can also be used to ease
chronic pain. Moreover, scientific studies show that music can affect
physiological functions, such as respiration, heart rate, and blood
pressure. It has also been shown to lower amounts of the Hormone
cortisol, which becomes elevated under stress and to increase the
release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones.

In the other hand, there are different views based on the benefits
on the music therapy. As in the first articles, it has mentioned that
Hindustani/classical musical considers ragas as depicting specific
moods. An appropriate mood is to be evoked in the listener’s mind
before initiating the musical treatment. Music therapy evokes different
moods based on different types of music ragas. For example, Kafi Raga
evokes humid and deep mood while Raga Pooriya Dhanasri evokes
sweet and stable state of mind.

Furthermore, the second article has mentioned that music


therapy uses music to promote positive changes in the wellbeing of an
individual. These positive changes may be manifested in changes in
physical development, social and interpersonal development,
emotional or spiritual wellbeing or cognitive abilities. It has been
shown to help in development of language and speech functions. It
also promotes socialization and development of communication, self
expression and motor skills.

Regarding to this, the third article has different views which it


mentions that music therapy can help to distract patients from
negative thoughts, feelings and experiences. For example, music
therapy has been effective at helping keep people’s minds from
dwelling on the pain of dental work, surgery, and labor. Meanwhile, it
can also strengthen communication and physical coordination skills.
Those with learning disabilities and speech and hearing problem may
also find music therapy helpful.

You might also like