Subject: music therapy
From:
open mike
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 12:08 PM
I usually schedule my dental appointments at the time
the Celtic radio show is on so i can put the headphones
on and listen to jigs and reels instead of brushes and
drills!
I just found this on the internet:
"The Healing Power of Music
Tune in: Doctors are finding that music
is an important partner in healing.
When Austrian researchers studied the effects of listening to relaxing music (and thinking equally relaxing thoughts) on back pain, they found that people who listened for 25 minutes daily for 3 weeks reported 40 percent less pain than those given the silent treatment.
"Music diverts your attention from the ache. It also helps reduce stress hormones and muscular tension," says Franz Wendter, Ph.D., one of the researchers.
Many studies have found that soothing melodies can ease anxious feelings and quiet both blood pressure and heart rate—even under very stressful conditions.
For instance, if there's an injection, medical test, or surgical procedure in your future, music may help you defuse anxiety and promote healing, says Deforia Lane, Ph.D., director of music therapy at the Ireland Cancer Center, University Hospitals in Cleveland. Just take along a portable tape player, headphones, and a cassette of customized, soothing music.
"If you want to feel calmer before and during a procedure, choose from slow music, such as pieces for orchestra, harps, flutes, or stringed instruments," Dr. Lane suggests. "Go for the middle, or slow movement, of a piece of classical music." But if you'd like to be distracted from anxious thoughts, consider a livelier genre. "Motown hits or gospel might be just the thing," she says. Before the procedure, tell the doctor and nurse about your musical strategy, Dr. Lane suggests. In most cases, they'll be glad to help. "
|
sj
