The Art & Sound of Healing
Occasionally, we all feel unwell. Periodically, we might have a headache, catch a cold, or burn a fever. Sometimes, we break some bones, suffer more severe internal issues or are diagnosed with some devastating illness. When this happens, most of us will seek out a general practitioner, a specialist or a surgeon and, subsequently, receive some medication to help us recover. On other occasions, although we are physically healthy, we may feel mentally unwell – be it anxiety, depression, stress or more extreme conditions, such as psychosis or schizophrenia. In these circumstances, we will most likely be referred to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for tests and examination(s) and medicated once again. We are given a prescription and visit what used to be known as ‘the drug store’. In a current politically correct world, it is now known as a pharmacy, but for all intents and purposes, they are basically the same thing.
There is, however, a growing and accepted belief that there are alternative approaches to treating mental ‘un-wellness’ of any kind and they are Art Therapy and Music Therapy. Art Therapy, to a greater extent, is more visual. We may be asked to draw a self-portrait, allowing the therapist (and us) to find meaning in that portrait and discuss self-image. Whether it may be intense emotions, a lack of self-worth or self-awareness and anxiety, some find relief from a wide range of creative explorations such as drawing, painting, dancing, colouring, sculpting and more. Case in point, Vincent van Gogh spent one year in a mental institution in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where he produced more than 150 paintings and 100 drawings. While he was committed, the staff there felt that the best way to help him with his depression was through Art Therapy.
With Music Therapy, elements like sound, rhythm and harmony may prove beneficial in reducing stress or improving the quality of life. It is also usually nonverbal; emotions or behaviour can be understood, processed and explored with different methodologies. Using a variety of instruments, it may be introduced in group sessions or on an individual basis. Besides improving mental health, it also appears to affect walking and some motor functions and, in some cases, singing may even have a beneficial effect on speech in people with Parkinson’s disease.
So, now that we have briefly explored the science behind it all, let us look at the most obvious and common forms of Art and Music therapy. From a very young age, we naturally start to draw – whether in the dirt, in the sand, on the walls and in some cases, even with our faeces. Further along the line during kindergarten, we are encouraged to draw even before learning a language. Music and rhythm are introduced to us through lullabies, rattles, music boxes and of course, songs that our parents listen to. It seems almost natural for us to create, and this can be seen in cave paintings by Neanderthals, our oldest ancestors to date. Historically, they were the first among our closest human relatives to also make musical instruments. A flute uncovered in Divje Babe, seems to suggest that Neanderthals were capable of abstract and uniquely human activity, such as creating Music.
Art and Music are obviously very much a part of our historical existence. The conscious need for creativity is perhaps one of the main components that separates us from all other animals, besides narcissism and the ability to make fire. As mediums for communicating and expressing ourselves, we hope we never stop whistling, humming, singing, drawing, painting, dancing or making Music. Art and Music are intrinsic building blocks of any civilisation. No significant society or culture has ever flourished without them. So, be it therapeutic or as a means of expression, they could just simply be the way we appreciate the beauty and essence … of being alive.
Words by Amir Yussof
Find out more about Amir here.
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