Complementary and Alternative medicines have been in the system since antiquity; the impact of which cannot be overlooked.
This field of medicine has numerous sectors, some of which may have tangible scientific backings while others may not. However, the results and impact cannot be ignored.
One of such amazing therapy is music therapy. From time passed, music, with its accompanying instrumentations has been used to cure or delivered unhealthy individuals. Remember that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of an individual and not just the absence of diseases.
Reference can be made to the Holy Scriptures (in the book of 1 Samuel 16:16-23) when David played the harp to deliver King Saul from the obsession of evil spirits. The Prophet Elisha as well had to play the minstrel before prophesying in the book of 2 Kings 3:15-16.
Music as a therapy is defined by the American Music Therapy Association as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions, to accomplish individualized goals, within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional; who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Moving forward, some music therapists are giving or bringing to light, some scientifically proven information to justify the unprecedented impact of using music as a therapy. Some researches have it that, this therapy has tremendously helped people overcome or manage some diseases or medical conditions like depression, schizophrenia, stress relief, dementia, hypertension, brain damage, autism, among others.
The services of Music Therapists are needed in all sectors of livelihood such as schools, hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, homes, rehabilitation centers, correctional communities, and other locations as it is known to contribute to productivity.
Ghana has a Music Therapy Association and its doors are always open to anyone ready to experience this therapy, and or learn how to become a Music Therapist.
Brainstorm: Why do most religious groups in Ghana, Africa, and worldwide sing songs or hymns during spiritual services? Aside from the spiritual implications of music to a particular religious body, can it as well, have any effect on their physical wellbeing?
