Science behind music therapy?

January 15, 2006 4:56 PM

For as long as I can remember, I have used music to engage in regular therapeutic sessions, eventually resulting in powerful states of bliss, catharsis, and waves of intense sensations. While I certainly have my own opinion on the positive effects of this practice, I have never really known anything about the science behind the phenomena. Does anyone know exactly why such an experience can be induced on demand with this sort of music therapy?
posted by aletheia to science & nature (12 comments total)

It's not exactly what you're looking for, but FactNet.org has some information on how churches or cults can induce collective emotional states, or sometimes even trances, with music. FactNet.org seems to be down right now or I'd get you the direct link.
posted by IndigoRain at 5:53 PM on January 15, 2006

See Stanislav Grof's work on holotropic breathwork. Renowned California psychiatrist who was top LSD researcher in 60s who explored breath and music to induce non-ordinary states of consciousness. From personal experience of several weekend workshops long ago, it is quite intense and powerful. The rapid breathing that accompanies the music alters oxygen levels in brain.
posted by madstop1 at 5:54 PM on January 15, 2006

my dad's career was in music therapy in (geriatric) psychiatric hospitals. here's the professional group, and a little more info.
posted by kcm at 6:13 PM on January 15, 2006

I'm not sure if the question is about a specific medical therapy, store-bought cds or just general music, but perhaps you are referring to Brainwave Entrainment? I had a look into it a while ago, I believe this is used by some therapists, somewhere. There are certainly a lot of CDs available.

The idea (as I remember) is to make sounds that synchronize brainwaves with certain frequencies, using gradual entrainment. Often achieved with headphones, but possible without. Interesting stuff, but hard to find good, non-commercial information on.

It is thought that the purpose of a lot of tribal/ritualistic drumming/music is very lengthy trance-inducing entrainment, to move the concious mind into very low, sleep/dream-like frequencies. Can't find any good links but this from a CD company gives you an idea.
posted by MetaMonkey at 7:32 PM on January 15, 2006

I'm not sure what you're calling "catharsis" but it seems like you're using it wrong. And if you're not, then you should know it doesn't actually exist.

It's like saying you heard noises through the luminous Æther.
posted by Paris Hilton at 7:41 PM on January 15, 2006

Music obviously has a strong effect on the brain. I don't think anyone knows why or to what extent.
posted by Paris Hilton at 7:43 PM on January 15, 2006

I used to have experiences like this. They were part of a very particular time and place in my life.

It was when I was an intern and working 110 hours per week; I was chronically sleep deprived and in the midst of several other life traumas - which is to say, I should have been depressed, but I don't believe that I actually was. I'd come home, turn on certain kinds of electronic music, turn on all the blue lights, make a double vodka tonic, and totally just bliss out.

It doesn't happen for me anymore; I suspect the neurochemistry just isn't right. I miss it, though. And I'd like to know more about the answer to your question, but I don't believe that anyone knows much more.
posted by ikkyu2 at 8:49 PM on January 15, 2006

I think I know exactly what you mean. Certain kinds of music started working it for me, notably electronica and goa/trance. I can 'revert back' it feels like and sometimes get full-body chills and intense DBZ-like glowing feelings like I am just surging with some raw energy -- just sitting there listening to some Astral Projection or Infected Mushroom. Hans Zimmer's scores (like Crimson Tide) also work the same effect. What gets you going?
posted by vanoakenfold at 9:38 PM on January 15, 2006

eh Paris?

seems like at least one of the definitions here applies:

wikipedia
posted by joeblough at 10:30 PM on January 15, 2006

The first music that did this to me was with an incredibly complex, detailed vision. Many won't be surprised that it was Pink Floyd's 'Echoes'. (i was 15)

A few years later I discovered Isao Tomita's "Snowflakes are Dancing" album. It still works, and I'm now 48.

Rick Wakeman did an album "No Earthly Connection" with some lyrics to the effect that "music would evolve to guide man to his soul". Sadly, the music wasn't as good as the lyrics. But the point is well made.

I am fascinated by the Bible prohibition (old) against graphic art (at least of real things), while very much encouraging music.
posted by Goofyy at 11:18 PM on January 15, 2006

Thanks to all who replied. I will check out each suggestion.

Paris: Here's a def from dictionary.com that is approximately what I meant. "A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit."

ikkyu2: I hope you're able to reconnect with that though. I asked this question in the first place because after many years I realize that what I've been doing is really worth something more than idle pleasure when used properly.

vanoakenfold, Goofyy: I use a wide variety of music, from Pink Floyd to Astral Projection which you've mentioned. However, I think electronic music tends to work best. Astral Projection is a good example, because if you listen to the way that their music, and music like it, is constructed, you'll realize that it is really intended for exactly this type of experience. Take their song "Liquid Sun" and play 4:30 - 8:37. I have never listened to that segment without having strong vibrations shower through my body, accompanied by extreme elation. Also, the Bible comment is interesting, but it's also worth mentioning that Christians too have developed similar practices (like speaking in tongues) that can be considered along these lines.
posted by aletheia at 2:02 PM on January 16, 2006

I think part of the connection between what I consider 'modern classical' (movie scores and such) is that their intricate complexity is comparable to trance/goa like Astral Projection, just with different instruments. If you listen to AP long enough, you can pick out, a la cocktail effect, didn't countermelodies and subtle background you might not have realized were really there before, and the entire series of combinations all working toward one goal sparks some of the inspiration, methinks.

I get the chills usually from select melodies in a song that really strike me for some reason, like how you mentioned the particular segment, the main melody pattern in AP's Englightened Evolution, appx 0:27 to appx 1:07. Infected Mushroom (also Israeli goa/trance) has a rather unique ability with the instruments, usually making what I would describe "ripping" sounds, visually like tearing a sheet of fabric with the sample, or pulling a piece of silly putty apart so fast that it snaps apart. They also use a lot of just exquisite filters and use highly irregular patterns and turn it into a heavy beat.

From having listened to it so often, though, I've recognized states of consciousnes/focus that I've been able to deliberately fester without the music anymore, but the music always makes it much easier. It's almost like I can will the release of adrenaline, it seems. *shrug*
posted by vanoakenfold at 9:38 PM on January 16, 2006