Magic of Music
‘Music is a world within itself, it is a language within itself’ – Stevie Wonder
Music plays a big role in our lives – I think we all know this but let’s take a moment to think just how big its impact is. Every single one of us has felt it’s effect – not just the singers in the room or the bathroom singers – I mean everyone, even those that don’t consider themselves ‘musical’. Music plays a role right from when you are conceived – it is said to help soothe an expectant mother and there is some research that states that it may even help with foetal development.
After birth, lullabies are probably one of the most effective remedies to help ease the pain of being a new born baby. You couldn’t possibly remember the first lullaby that was song to you, but maybe it was:
‘Hush little baby go to sleep….’, ‘Lala toto lala…’, ‘Rona kabhi nahi rona, chahe tu chahe koi khilona….’, ‘Rock-a-bye baby on the tree tops….’
Or maybe it was a completely different one. But I have a feeling the lullaby soothed you as you acclimatised to your new surroundings. Lullabies have proved to ease pain and anxiety in little babies – helping soothe them to sleep providing a source of comfort.
But it doesn’t end there – your musical journey continues:
- Nursery rhymes for little children
- Pop music as you hit your teens
- Love songs as you meet your first love and go through your first heartbreak
- Wedding songs as you get married
- Meaningful tunes and favourite artists
And so it goes on…..until the very end of your life cycle.
But maybe we’re not making full use of this magic? Music is said to be one of the most powerful forms of therapy used in geriatric care.
Music can help trigger forgotten memories and help reduce anxiety. It has been proven to promote better health and a higher level of functioning.
I know a stroke patient who lost his speech because of the stroke and no amount of speech therapy was helping. . I later saw this same gentleman at a musical concert; he stood up and started singing – he remembered all the lyrics and the tune from his younger years. I was astounded at this miracle.
In the UK and Australia, music is a key therapy for dementia patients. It has been found that music is able to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication can’t. Music therapy has also proven to be effective for Parkinson’s patients.
As we age it is important to keep healthy – physically and emotionally. Music can help with both physical and emotional well-being.
So let’s embrace the magic of music – from cradle to grave!
“Music is therapy. Music moves people. It connects people in ways no other medium can. It pulls heart strings. It acts as medicine” – Macklemore