Music to Soothe (and Rock) By….

Can music really promote healing, recovery, and overall well-being?  An increasing body of medical and sociological evidence suggests it does. 

Alfred Tomatis, M.D. -- hailed by many as the father of music therapy -- developed the theory that music is energy food for the brain and an instrument of healing.  He used Mozart and Gregorian chants to helps patients suffering from ailments as different as dyslexia and depression.  Many healthcare providers recognize music’s restorative powers, often combining it with movement and dance classes, even into the end stages of life.  Hospitals like Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Colorado have created entire soundscapes – from chirping birds to jazz – to uplift, comfort, and de-stress patients, visitors, and staff.  (I’ve rarely been in a surgical suite where music wasn’t a vivid presence.)

Yet in their never-ending list of things to do, caregivers might feel overwhelmed at the thought of creating a soundscape soothing enough to promote recovery or well-being.  We might believe that we’ve got to invest in a collection of nature sounds, liturgical hymns, or Celtic or classical music in order to achieve therapeutic benefits. 

Nothing could be further from the truth!  Patients at all stages of illness want the music that mattered most to them – the soundtracks of their lives, which is quite often the music you already have at home.  They don’t want Muzak, or someone else’s opinion of “soothing” music.  My Uncle John – well into his 80s and battling too many physical challenges – continued to add to his stereo equipment so he could blast out his beloved Big Band sounds.   Those were the sounds that cheered and motivated him in his final months and brought joyful memories to all of us.   My Uncle Frank loved the soundtrack of My Fair Lady.  He insisted we play it whenever he visited our house, and it was the music we played at his memorial service, instead of the usual hymns.  (We didn’t care that some guests raised their eyebrows when they heard “Get Me to the Church on Time” because everyone smiled when they heard the timeless and lovely lyrics of “On the Street Where You Live.”  It helped us remember that Uncle Frank was an incurable romantic.)

We all have highly individual taste, but chances are you already know the music that will be therapeutic to your loved one.  Don’t be afraid to honor his choices by playing R&B, the oldies, hip hop, or reggae.   You might be surprised by how quickly it transports your loved one – and you – to another time and place.  

Sometimes, the best way to “heal” the heart – especially when recovery is not possible – is to crank up the music and rejoice.

So what’s on your playlist?