Music has always been a dominant factor in my family's life.
The ancient fathers learned that it was one of the greatest of all healing forces and that it has therapeutic value.
They were wise in the ways of nature and natural medicine, very early they became acquainted with an astonishing variety of methods to heal the body and mind.
In ancient times it was used to worship, hunt and cure the sick. No major event occurred, be it a birth, betrothal, marriage or death without the occasion being marked with musical ceremonies.
Back in the days, we didn't use a lot of instruments, it was strictly acapella.
Stressful situations cause our muscles to tense up, and our breathing becomes shallow. As we relax, taking deep calming breaths, pull in much needed oxygen, our immune system is strengthened.
It not only has the ability to alleviate stress but also to renew our minds, thus assisting in obtaining Natural Health and Beauty.
Alternative Therapy For Health
This alternative therapy for health has been used extensively to cure physical and mental diseases. Some primitive societies often placed more importance on magical chants and ritual dances to cure the sick than on herbs with medicinal value.
Physicians whose sole tasks in caring for the mentally unbalanced have long realized its therapeutic value for the mind.
Dr. Emmet Dent, for many years Superintendent of Manhattan State Hospital said "It is responsible for cures among the insane, and improvements of patients seemingly in a hopeless condition are a little short of marvelous".
Soft music is regarded by a great many people as a necessity for the dinner table.
Some time ago the Superintendant of the State Hospital at Middletown, CT. organized an orchestra in that institution which provided it for patients at meal time.
He said, "Its effect is highly satisfactory, it has influenced these patients to be quiet, and self-controlled".
Healing Medicine
It's origin as a healing medicine goes back to incantations and dances performed by primitive tribal magicians to drive evil spirits from the bodies of their people.
The Greek undoubtedly learned about it's healing power from civilizations older than their own. To them since music is an imitation of the divine harmony, it can, through rhythm and melody, instill a harmonious balance in a human soul that has become untuned.
The ancient Hebrews employed music in several recorded cases of physical and mental illness, perhaps the most famous being that of King Saul when his reason was tottering.
"When the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, then David took up a harp and played with his hands so that Saul was refreshed and well, and the evil spirit departed from him".
Some people are influenced by it to a much greater extent than others. It is a known fact that soft music calms, while if it is loud and blaring, it stimulates and excites the senses.
Hence we hear of riots at rock concerts while on the other hand a mother may rock a baby to sleep with a soft lullaby.
When one has suffered a loss that seems irreparable, there is nothing quite like it to overcome the sense of utter desolation.
Psychologists have a ready answer on how it fights pain. Dr. C. M. Diserens, says "It evokes or tends to evoke motor reactions, these in turn arouse a large number of proprioceptive sensations so that other sensations (as of pain) tend to be lost".
Adults now associate singing at play with childish ways. This bounds us and keeps us as precise in play as we are in work. However, to keep ourselves young, sometimes it is best to act like children and enjoy ourselves in some nice sounds of music.
