Music as Therapy for sick children

Music as Therapy for sick children 

It is said that music soothes the soul. 

This also holds true among children who are ill. Foreign health experts recommend the use of music to deliver positive changes In children’s psychological, physical and 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. [1]

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.[2]

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. [3]

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. [4]

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. [5]

Recognizing the Filipinos’ ultimate love for music and the benefits of music in improving health and healing, GlaxoSmithKline 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 parenssts 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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[1]Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice  citing, American Music Therapy Association

[2] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music Therapy”, Misic, P., D. Arandjelovic, S. Stanojkovic, S. Vladejic, and J. Mladenovic. European Psychiatry 1.25 (Jan. 2010): 839. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 November 2011

[3] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music in general hospital treatment from 1900 to 1950.”, Taylor, DB.  J Music Ther. 1981: 18 (2): 62-73.

[4] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music Therapy Research and Practice in Medicine.” Aldridge, D. (1996). London: Jessica Kingsley

[5] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing Music as intervention: a notable endeavor to improve patient outcomes. “ White JM. Nurs Clin North Am. 2001;36(1):83-92.