ABSTRACT
In considering the effect of music and the elements that constitute music, and in fully understanding the processes involved in music therapy, the physiological effect of sound on the body should be taken into consideration. There have been many exciting developments in the last two decades in the use of sound and sound technology in treatment techniques. Although this is not a new concept, and history has thrown up evidence both in past civilisations and in different cultures in the use of sound as a means of treating physical disabilities and pain, it is only in the latter part of this century that developments have occurred resulting in the use of such treatments as ultrasound (Forster & Palastange, 1985) and interferential therapy (Savage, 1984), a form of low frequency electrical stimulation. At the same time that these developments were occurring, the growth of music therapy as a form of treatment mainly concentrated on the use of music and improvisation in interactional work with people with communication disabilities. It has been by the building of a relationship through music by means of musical interaction that music therapists have been able to demonstrate breakthroughs in achieving both physical, emotional and cognitive response from people who had seemed inaccessible to other forms of intervention. This was evident in the work of Juliette Alvin (1975, 1976, 1978) and Nordoff and Robbins (1971, 1977) with handicapped children and adults, and subsequently by many music therapists trained in these approaches in England, the Americas, Europe, Canada and Australia; although the approaches differ in terms of the means of developing interaction with clients through music, the ethos that music therapy is a process involving the perceptual, cognitive and intellectual response of individuals to music is common. However, it has also been realised that whereas music achieves an intellectual response when listened to, music and sound also cause a significant and frequently measurable physical response when sound waves enter the body. The appreciation of music, and the emotional impact of a particular piece may also stimulate a physical reaction - it may be one of elation or depression, sadness or happiness. The components of a sound or combination of sounds, in particular their pitch, volume and timbre, will have a significant physiological and biochemical effect on the body. Muscular energy will increase or decrease depending on the rhythm, and breathing will accelerate or change its regularity. Fatigue can be reduced or induced and voluntary activity may be increased. In addition, a marked variable effect on heart rate, blood pressure and the endocrine function is produced, and changes in metabolism and the biosynthesis of various enzymatic processes may be induced. These and further physiological reactions to sound and music were investigated and summarised by Dr Benenzon, a music therapist and psychiatrist working in Argentina (Music Therapy Manual, 1981).
