The use of mind/body control therapy works on the basis of changing one`s lifestyle to promote health. Making a daily practice of mind/body techniques along with proper diet, exercise, and social support can give tremendous health benefits. Our thoughts and feelings influence the body via two kinds of mechanisms: the nervous system and the circulatory system. These are the pathways of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. So by stimulating our mind with the right kind of motivation, we can bring about effective healing to our physical health.
Music therapy is a popular type of mind body control therapy. The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behaviour is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.
The patients` physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. Today, Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy treatments can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation. In this therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills of a patient through musical responses. Then they design music sessions for individuals and groups based on specific needs. Some of the modules include music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.