Harvesting integrative music therapy in critical care settings throughout the lifespan

Abstract

Our bodies as instruments include systems which co-regulate, as integrative mechanisms. The cardiac and respiratory systems are inter-dependent, and with music, one of these systems can directly have an impact upon the other. The wind of the body integrates how direct oxygen can maintain our blood flow. Particularly in the playing of live music, such activity coordinates, synchronizes and ultimately influences how we think and feel. Neurologic systems are meant to integrate and music can make such amalgamation stronger-leading toward increased capacity for experiences of functional flow. The IAMM (International Association for Music and Medicine) emblem reflects the integrative mission, and the words “I am” works well and implies a useful reminder for us to think about how music and medicine is inclusive of sounds and systems that we are venturing to know better. Specifically, amongst our unified vision, which began in 2008, was the idea that integration of our research and practice not only makes us more deeply and broadly informed, but additionally can enhance the scope of practice for practitioners and clinicians.