By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Music is a universal language, it’s borderless and eternal. It is a form of communication, especially expressing feelings which the individual or group may not be able to articulate in straightforward conversation. Remember the song “I’ll have to say I love you in a song” by Jim Croce, (generation 60’s 70’s). He sings “Every time I try to tell you, the words just came out wrong. So I have to say I love you in a song.” Communicating in the form of music is livelier, too. I remember when we had community seminars in Bontoc, we would ask the participants to introduce themselves. And they would sing their introduction to the lively Bontoc melodies! The iFontok are musical.
Music has a profound effect in our lives, whether we are listening to it, making it, performing for others or just for ourselves. And when I say music, I mean meaningful music, not the noise of some modern songs. I also don’t mean western music only. We have a lot of indigenous music. All societies have their own varied music, varied musical styles, musical instruments. God certainly loves variety and has gifted all cultures with their own brand of music. We, Igorots, have our lullabies, daing, daddad-at, liwliwa, bayao. Nature has its music, too- the tweet of birds, the gust of wind, the rustle of leaves. Music is part of our lives and since time immemorial, people have recognized its healing power.
In modern times, music therapy is a recognized form of treatment that uses music to treat physical, psychological and cognitive and social disorders, in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Music therapy is part of a larger treatment plan in treating anxiety, substance abuse, asthma, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, mental health disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, stroke patients.
There are various forms of music therapy- it could be singing, listening to it, dancing to music, making music or talking about music.
The benefits of music therapy are numerous as follows:
1. Boosts immune system – when we listen to music that we like, our bodies produce happy hormones and make our immune system happy.
2. Encourages wellness. We can perk up with music.
3. Helps manage stress. Music brings your mind to the lyrics, the singer and good memories and takes your mind off your stressors.
4. Reduces pain – same mechanics as happy hormones.
5. Helps relieve anxiety
6. Improves memory. So it’s wise to learn songs as young as you can and memorize them and sing these often. When we visit elderly, even those with dementia, it is healing to sing old songs which they know and they will remember and activate their brain.
7. Improves communication. I know of some people who would break out in a song if there
8. changes the atmosphere.
As a formal form of treatment, music therapy is done by certified music therapists. In the Philippines, St. Paul University Manila has the Music Therapy Center, the first in the Philippines. You don’t have to wait, though, for health issues to set in before you can do or use music therapy. We need, however, to select the songs we sing as some songs could be depressing. Sing and dance for yourself, your family and friends and to God. Make music. I sing to my apo as I rock him to sleep. It just comes out naturally from me. And as I write this piece, I listen to a compilation of Igorot songs and I am amazed at the talents among us!***
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“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” Ephesians 5:19-20
