History teaches that the power of musical healing was well known among people of former times. Primitive peoples used voice and instruments such as drums and rattles to magnify the healing effect of various herbal medicines. It was the medicine men (witchdoctors) who were responsible for the health and wholeness of individuals in society by the use of group ceremonies and various kinds of dance, and they maintained equilibrium in the physical, mental,and spiritual welfare of the people, in concerted faith with the spirits andgods of nature.

These methods have survived to the present day and are still common among natives and minority groups worldwide. One may ask why on earth did these life-essential values of common people's musical healing become overshadowed by the forces of literalistic religion and modern academics such as doctors, scientists, musicians, composers -- and not least by the industrial revolution and protectionism within science and modern technology. Each must of course answer for himself.

Undertones

The foundation of healing music is undertones (drone). When undertones are used they are most often continuous, prolonged, and undisturbed. Their magical power is in proportion with the order of tone intervals which gives value to the undertones. They function as a space for everything that the healing music builds on.

Many of the instruments used in folk music are (or can be) tuned to a certain undertone, for instance such instruments as human voice, jaws harp, bagpipes, didgeridoo, sitar, chiming bowls, mountain horn, various one-string or many-stringed instruments to be struck or bowed, and modern instruments such as pipe organ with "pedal point" (footpedal), programmable synthesisers, and even tape loops can give the good effect of undertones if used in a suitable manner. There are many who are working with healing music, mostly those who have practised meditation for many years and play their music in a meditative state.

Music therapy

During musical healing it is important to be receptive and pay attention o where the body responds. It is best to let go of the hearing of the ear, in order that it not interfere. In this way we gradually encourage sensitivity and learn to listen with our bodies. A specific tone can have differing effect on the muscles and organs of the human body, because we each have different physical build. A tone that vibrates and resonates with the belly of a thin person will not necessarily resonate with a protruding belly, for other frequencies would be required.

Musical therapies are effective for the body and soul, and are efficacious on all kinds of impediments, blockages, and retention/stagnation of bodily fluids. They release tension and set in motion normal energetic flow. They go to work on complaints such as gallstones, kidneystones, various inflammations, arthritis of the muscles and joints, and menstrual and spastic cramps. They assist with the loosening of the bowels and cleansing of the urinary tract, and help with the moderation of pain. The glandular system receives stimulation and the body releases vital healing hormones, which are essential in combating stress-related disease such as depression, hyperactivity, and various mental illnesses. Impressive results have been achieved with schizophrenia. The body simply reprograms itself and seeks to establish a new equilibrium.

Wholistic existence

A great awakening is taking place among those who are realising this healing power in a deteriorating world of artificial needs and reverse progress. People are becoming disillusioned with chemistry as a panacea and have embarked on their own voyage of discovery, seeking a true and wholistic existence here on earth. The possibilities in this field are endless. What matters most now is to be true to oneself, shake off the torpor, crick open each door and allow the possibilities to become manifest, and see whether we aren't still a tiny part of the organic chain of life.

Research increases

Research in the field of music has increased in recent years and representatives of music therapy have been kept busy with following the latest advancements. There are unexplored dimensions of the human spirit, mind and soul, that are a hidden mystery to many. We propose that the human person is made from more than mere atoms and molecules, such as for example soul, mind and spirit, and therefore music therapy has been directed deeper in at the many-factored frequency bands that constitute the human being.

The influence of sound

From the body's plumbing system -- blood, hormones, glands, nerves, cells, muscles, organs, bones, skull, and brain (brainwaves) -- all the way to the divine life-energy system, it can be asserted that all these factors are o a greater or lesser degree under continuous influence of soundwaves from = our environment.

Vowels

All the vowel sounds impel the physical elements and seek resonance somewhere in the body. In ancient times, Egyptian priests found out that different areas of the body respond to different vowel forms. They sang worship to the gods with these vowels:

EE - crown
IH - forehead
EH - throat
AH - chest
AW - solar plexus
OH - belly
OO - pelvis

Cause and effect

In his book, "Cymatics Vol II (1974)", Hans Jenny describes the biological effect of sound on the human body. Every single healthy atom of the human body has its own vibrational and resonant frequency.. A cell of the human body made up of a certain quantity of atoms and molecules resonates and resounds accordingg to the mutual harmonies of the atoms amongst themselves. Many cells together then form new sounds in accordance with the mutual harmonies of the cells to each other. Any organ comprised of certain cells then forms new harmonies dependent on the foregoing chain of cause.

Where's it headed?

The body in its entirety, according to the cause and effect theory of Hans Jenny, must emanate sounds formed of the corresponding inward sounds of each individual atom with its neighbours.

What then is all life as a whole -- planets, solar systems, galaxies -- other than "one song" or "Una Versa" in the spinning wheel of the almighty.

Chladni

The visual form of sound can be observed by oscilloscope. Another method is to obtain a wooden board or metal plate and spread sand over the surface. Soundwaves may be induced in the material by various means. One way is to stroke the edge of the plate with a violin bow. Then we see the motion of the sandgrains crystallise into a specific form depending on frequency (Hz) and amplitude (dB). These soundforms are reminiscent of mandalas (balance-adjusting graphical patterns). The method is called "Chladni", named after Ernst Chladni, a German chemist and amateur musician.

Matter is receptive to soundwaves with varying degree, and there is no matter as susceptible to soundwaves as the human body, which is for the most part composed of air and water.

The human body is like a perfect auditory sensor which responds to the least vibration from its environment, and is in no way inferior to the human ear. At at least one count, the body surpasses the ear, in that it can both receive and transmit frequency.

The effect of longstanding discordant sound

The body is like ultrafine strings forming a musical instrument which neds to be correctly adjusted in order that harmony can exist and be maintained. Imperfectly adjusted strings cause discordant sound, which when longstanding is likely to cause symptoms of burdening, such as fatigue, stress, and disease, gradually wearing down and eventually destroying the body.

Impression

Concerning the future, the advancement of musical healing depends on continuing research into the influence of music on atoms and the molecular structure of matter, and not least to explore its influence on a psychic and spiritual basis.

HoFM