It is said that music soothes the soul.
This also
holds true among children who are ill. Foreign health experts recommend the use
of cognitive development and the improvement of the social functioning of
children with health or educational conditions.
According to the
American Music Therapy Association, Music therapy is an interpersonal process
in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional,
mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain
their health.
In the past, music has been used as a “healing
force”. The Roman god of medicine Aesculapius was said to cure diseases of the
mind by using song and music. In Egyptian temples, music therapy was also
reportedly used for healing. Even ancient Greek physician Hippocrates played
music for his mental patients as early as 400 B.C
The most extensive account
of music in general hospitals appeared during the first half of the 1900s, when
health care practitioners used music in conjunction with anesthesia and
analgesia.
Music therapy is used on
individuals of all ages for a variety of
conditions, which include: psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical
handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse,
communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging.
A theory points to the ability of music
to distract a patient from pain, anxiety and stress as it enables the patient
to focus on something pleasant and encouraging.
When
soothing music occupies the mind, it somehow allows the patient to ‘escape’
into ‘his or her own world’, also facilitating relaxation for the patient.
Recognizing the Filipinos’ ultimate
love for music and the benefits of music in improving health and healing, Glax Smith Kline
Philippines, Inc. (“GSK”) instituted the Himig ng Kalinga program supported by
doctor-recommended Paracetamol (Calpol) and in partnership with key hospitals
in GMA and Luzon. The pilot launch of the music therapy activities was led by
prominent TV personality Suzi Abrera at the Philippine Children’s Medical
Center (PCMC) and Cardinal Santos Medical Center recently.
The program aims to bring appropriate and
familiar nursery rhyme songs to in-hospital pediatric patients that will be performed
by the program volunteers. An original song written by well-known song
composer, Jimmy Antiporda, entitled “Gagaling Ka Rin” will also be taught to
the patients and parents to further uplift the spirits of these hospitalized children.
GSK Philippines, through its
doctor-recommended and mom-trusted fever reliever Paracetamol (Calpol),
supports the use of music therapy to pave the way for the holistic wellness of
every Filipino child.
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