Music is a fundamental part of life and if used at a right time and in right way it can heal many health problems.

This is 21st century, and many people lead a tangled life, desperately trying to juggle between work and personal life. They are so busy that they do not have time for their family or friends, or even for themselves. They are very stressed out but still do not know what to do for relaxation. There are many options -- yoga, meditations, etc – for stress relief, but some people still do not get the satisfaction they are seeking.

It was mostly after the end of World War II that people acknowledge the benefits of “Music Therapy,” and tried to mainstream this technique.   Musicians of all types went to veteran hospitals to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the war. The notable improvement in the patients’ condition gave birth to this therapy as one of the professional ways to heal people.

Music is a part of life. We listen to music every time, when we are sad or happy, in good mood or bad mood. Good music is itself a healer. But people also thought of nagging it with other widely accepted techniques such as yoga and meditation to make it more effective.  Music has found to be therapeutic medium of communication, and provides a safe space to release suppressed feelings.

This therapy can be conducive in many ways:

  • Diseases

People suffering from very minor as well as acute illness can get benefit from music therapy. Patients suffering from hyperactivity, cancer, focus deficit disorder, trauma, depression, stroke, paralysis, asthma, etc can make improvement through music therapy. In Nepal, music therapy has been practiced as a medication for disease such as autism. Children with autism have undergone music therapy have shown significant improvements in communication, physical movement, and working pace.

 

  • Corporate wellness

If corporate house are searching for unique ways to give retreats for their staffs then music therapy can be a good option. It develops strong bond of communication between employees, and reduces hierarchical gap between employees.

 

  • Family affection

Just like in a corporate house, music therapy also works in the family. It establishes a strong bond between family members by removing communication gap between the older and the younger generations. In general, there is not much of a culture of sharing problems, happiness, and disappointment in Nepali family.  Music therapy on the other hand removes the awkwardness involved in opening up, and makes it easier for family members to talk to each other.

Any healing through music therapy in a professional setting is a long term process.  As it is client led, it is a structured yet open process. The therapy sessions are normally scheduled as per the client’s needs, and the time span of each session is 20 minutes to one hour per client.

Music therapy has a wide spectrum; healing ailments, strengthening communication in a group; releasing stress and promoting relaxation. It is based on neuroscience research.

Shreeti Pradhan, who is a music therapist, says that there are only three music therapy professionals in Nepal which is the reason people are not that familiar with music therapy as compared to other kinds of therapy. As only three professionals cannot cover all areas, she feels that Nepal needs more music therapists.

Music therapist in Nepal, have been working at individual levels for its promotion, but the music therapy as a profession is in its infancy.  Many people who could benefit from the therapy do not know how to get in touch with the therapists, as there is no organization that provides the therapy as its core therapy.  Any connections that are currently made come through social media, related workshops, or personal connection of therapists.

Nepal has a very rich musical culture, and has its own indigenous instruments. Music comes from within and is a very fundamental part of our lives. If the benefits of music therapy are widely disseminated, it is only matter of time before many more people come to join the profession in Nepal.

 “Whenever I listen to music, it helps me understand myself better.  Music is something that motivates and uplifts me.” – Shreeti Pradhan, Music Therapist.