Music Therapy for Stress Management

Mr. Yeow was recently interviewed by Bernama TV about his unique approach towards stress management. Watch the interview in the video here. Below is a short write-up on his views regarding music therapy.


By James Yeow

Music is therapeutic. For centuries, music has played a central role in the lives of civilizations and cultures throughout the world.  The Hindus believe that specific musical scales or ragas could bring about positive change to both physical and psychological ailments.  We read also in the ancient Chinese classics, that the liver likes music, and how this important organ relaxes, once it hears good music.  Throughout the history of Islamic civilization, the Sufi Muslims believe that mental and nervous disorders can be cured by music. Thus, the great Islamic scholar, Ibn Sina, established scientific principles on musical treatment.

Modern research demonstrates that the brain responds to the relaxing powers of music by changing the tensed, beta brain wave state to the delta state - the ultimate state of relaxation.  Staying in a relaxed state for long periods of time speeds up healing.  Thus, mothers who listen to specific types of music experience less labour pains. Also, prenatal auditory stimulation of an unborn baby's senses could enhance the development and connections of brain cells.  In addition, music affects our respiration rate, blood pressure, stomach contractions, levels of stress hormones and immune responses, specifically the action of secreting immunoglobin A antibodies.

In my stress management workshops, I use music that is holistically integrated with techniques of mind control, muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, massage therapy, Madan Kataria's laughter yoga, and mental imagery, to manage anxiety, tension, and pain.
     
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