Roots of Healing Music

Abstract

Hanser explains that, in ancient healing rituals and ceremonies, music was an essential element to connect with the Divine. Music was an important communication tool, as it was deemed an expression of the human spirit. When communities sought order, they welcomed the order of music, and its ability to ground and settle participants of rituals. Some societies saw it as a key to understanding the world, and used mantras and n{\={a}}d{\={a}} (or sound) yoga, as regular practices. Within contemporary models of music therapy, Hanser demonstrates how the philosophies of multiple cultures are combined and modified to create an integrative model for wellness and optimal health. Music therapy aims to reveal the inner healer in everyone.