Music Magic

Music has long been used as therapy for many different reasons; not only in nursing homes, hospitals, day centers, but also in people's private homes. The benefits are very plain to see and healthcare professionals often recommend music therapy as an additional tool in treating a long list of conditions such as Parkinson's, depression, strokes, Alzheimer's and brain injury.  Although there is little data proving why music and movement improve certain diseases, there is no doubt that there are positive effects on patients participating on a regular basis. For anyone who has difficulty in moving or speaking, music/dance therapy is definitely worth a try, in particular Parkinson's patients show remarkable improvement, not only with their movement but  lifting spirits, almost like re-charging one's batteries. I find it highly therapeutic listening to music that I enjoy, and in particular, if I am having a bad Parkinson's day, music is a great distraction. I was listening to Christina Aguilera's song "Something's got a hold on me" and felt it was almost written for someone with Parkinson's in mind. Have a listen to the words!

Often people hear songs, but don't really listen to the words. When someone is talking to you, listening is not merely sitting and looking as if you are paying attention; it is taking in every word and processing its meaning, trying to understand a new point of view from a different perspective. Getting people's attention when it comes to unpleasant matters, and things we'd rather not think about is pretty hard to do. Having just had my recent article published on The Huffington Post, I can see that this particular topic still bears much stigma and shame. I hope you will read my article and pass it on to anyone you think may benefit.