Last Updated on October 20, 2024
Whole-Tone Music Therapy is an aspect of sound healing therapy. It aims to improve the physical and emotional well-being of the individual.
Individuals undergoing this therapy partake in an exercise prepared by a trained practitioner. The practitioner is certified and fully licensed to conduct such services.
The practitioner introduces the following exercises:
- Listening to whole-tone music
- Singing along to the songs
- Moving your body and feet to the sound and instrument of the song
- Meditation
- Playing an instrument
Table of Contents
What Is Sound Healing?
Sound healing is believed to have been fashioned by traditional healers far back in ancient Greece. Traditional healers fashioned it as a form of curing mental disorders.
As time went on, music became an essential tool for various applications. It was used to uplift military troops’ mood and spirit and help people work better, faster, and more productively. It was even used to ward off evil spirits.
As of now, music is linked to several health benefits. It helps to lower stress levels, as well as to improve the health of premature babies. Sound healing is enjoyed by all. Adults, teens, and children facing significant challenges can benefit a lot from it.
One significant aspect of sound healing is that it is individual. This means that every patient gets their tailor-made treatment. For example, a patient might benefit from learning a new instrument, while another can find success writing songs and listening to music.
Teens and kids mostly have a strong interest in music therapy. This isn’t because it is fun for them. It is simply because it provides physical and mental relief. Below are the health benefits of whole-tone music therapy: Sound therapy aims at providing mental and physical relief.
Physical Benefits
Patients suffering from cancer and other serious illness might experience unbearable pain. Regardless of the medication type, this pain can still be unbearable.
With the introduction of music therapy, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort. The medical practitioner provides exercises such as listening and playing sounds. These exercises gradually lessen the pain that the patient is suffering from. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety that later results in psychological changes such as:
- Improved respiration
- Reduced heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Relaxed muscle tension
- Improved cardiac output
Wholetones: The Healing Frequency Music Project – Book and 7 CD Set
Sound therapy is highly effective. It has shown that it has a significant effect on how patients respond to treatment which helps to maintain overall wellbeing. It does this by improving respiration rate, promoting pain reduction, and lowering anxiety levels.
Experts tell us that there is a way to manage pain through music therapy. The protocol is based on the cognitive-behavioral therapy model. This model posits that fresh thoughts, feelings, and body states may be conditioned to replace dysfunctional patterns. Specifically, a relaxed body might swap tension and worry when conditioned as a response to familiar soothing sounds.
Using Sound for Physical Therapy
The conditioning process commences when listening to music is paired with complete relaxation through constant practice. As time goes on, the tune ignites the response.
A whole-tone music therapy protocol is created to perform the following functions:
- To direct the mind away from pain, stress, and anxiety. The patient is provided with a comforting tune that distracts their attention.
- To provide a sound stimulus. This will give the patient rhythmic breathing.
- For use in providing a rhythmic structure for systematic release of body tension.
- To offer positive visual imagery.
- For changing the patient’s mood.
- In providing a prompt and deep relaxation response.
- To condition the mind to positive thoughts and feelings to better embrace life.
The Mental Benefits of Whole-Tone Music Therapy
When diagnosed with certain conditions, it can be not very comforting. This can bring about stress. And stress on its own can cause several health complications. Some of the well-known symptoms of stress on the body include:
- Headaches
- Muscle pain and tension
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
- Stomach upsets
- Fatigue
Common symptoms of stress on the mood include:
- restlessness
- anxiety
- lack of focus
- lack of motivation
- overwhelming feeling
- anger and lack of control
- depression and sadness
Some of the expected effects of stress on your behavior include:
- Eating disorder, or lack of interest in food
- Occasional angry outburst
- Social withdrawal
You can make use of music to improve stress and anxiety. It is one of the best remedies for relieving stress as music is linked to mood improvement. And, certain songs can make someone feel a wide range of emotions. Some songs can trigger happy, calm, relaxed, and active emotions.
Connoisseurs tell us that tunes have therapeutic effects. However, the theme from a person’s culture seems to be most effective.
How Does Music Therapy Work?
By now, you should have a feel of how sound healing works. To be clearer, it uses various aspects of sound to improve mental and physical states. The patient is being provided a healing plan that best suits them. Experts make use of several techniques when it comes to music therapy. Most patients thrive in a one-on-one session with a specially trained professional.
A sound healing session might involve sitting or lying down while listening to music. The tune is being provided by the practitioner in the form of a speaker or an instrument. It can also be provided using specific tools that can make sounds which all depends on the approach used.
It is advisable for patients to participate in the exercise through singing, gentle movement, or playing a musical instrument as well. However, patients must remain quiet at all times to enable the tune to perform its function.
Sound Healing Instruments
Along with the sounds from the mouth, here are some of the common instruments used in music therapy:
- Pan flute
- Drums
- harps
- Singing bowls
- Tuning forks
Some methods use a range of instruments during a single session. The devices can include a guitar and a piano. However, a whole-tune music therapy mainly uses a piano.
Bottom Line
Although there is a need for better evidence, music therapy proves to be very effective. It helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It has also been shown to provide several health benefits. There is no risk at all listening to songs and sounds that you enjoy. You simply have to find what works best for you.
Barbara is an environmental activist and sustainability advocate who loves living green and sustainable. She firmly believes in reducing her carbon footprint and has been making great strides towards achieving this goal. Barbara is a vegan and avid recycler and has been actively involved in community gardens and other green initiatives. She is passionate about spreading awareness about the importance of living in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Barbara is always looking for ways to make a difference in her community and beyond. She is a huge advocate for preserving nature and the planet for future generations.