From Ancient to Integrative Medicine: Models for Music Therapy

Abstract

Ancient practices, Eastern medicine, and nonconven- tional treatments, including music as therapy and as medicine, are being reexamined for the wisdom that they can contribute to modern methods of enhancing health. By introducing the Western approaches of alternative, complementary, and mind-body medicine, the Eastern approaches of traditional Chinese medi- cine and Ayurvedic medicine, and worldwide practices in shamanism, this article offers a model for the integration of music therapy into integrative medicine. The philosophies underlying these approaches have intrigued the Western medical community, who are now using traditional medical research methodology to understand the effects of these treatments. Simi- larly, the effect of music has been studied by nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals as well as music therapists. Their combined efforts have provided convincing evidence that music therapy should be included as a modern, integrative medical treatment.