The Power of Music in Healing Life-Threatening Illnesses and Keeping Hope Alive
Music has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects on the mind and body. Research has shown that music can lower blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, reduce cardiac complications, increase immune response, and boost natural opiates.
Let’s explore the power of music in healing life-threatening illnesses and keeping hope alive, with a focus on the artist Florence and The Machine as a source of refuge from the distress and pain caused by such diagnoses.
Music Therapy and Hope
Music therapy has been found to have a positive impact on hope for recovery in patients with life-threatening illnesses.
Music interventions may increase hope in adults with cancer, with a reported average increase of 3.19 units on the Herth Hope Index.
Music therapy can provide a space where challenges can be acknowledged and abated on an individual’s own terms.
Florence and The Machine: A Source of Refuge
Florence and The Machine, led by Florence Welch, have demonstrated the power of music in providing comfort and hope to those facing life-threatening illnesses. In May 2016, teenager Karinya Chen, who had been battling bone cancer for six years, was unable to attend a Florence and The Machine concert due to her worsening condition.
When Florence found out, she decided to visit Karinya at the Hospice Austin and give her a private concert. The band sang for her, including getting Karinya to sing along with the lead singer, for almost an hour.
In her last interview before she passed away, Karinya talked about how that private concert was “the best 45 minutes of her life. ”
The Healing Power of Sound
Dr. Mitchell Gaynor has been achieving remarkable results by integrating music, vocalization, breathing, and meditation techniques in his work with patients.
In his book, “The Healing Power of Sound: Recovery from Life-Threatening Illness Using Sound, Voice, and Music,” he presents sound-based techniques for self-healing that anyone can use, whether faced with a life-threatening disease or simply seeking relief from daily stress.
The book includes twelve exercises involving breathing, meditation, and “toning”—using pure vocal sound to resolve tension, release emotion, and spur the healing process.
The power of music in healing life-threatening illnesses and keeping hope alive is evident through the work of artists like Florence and The Machine and the growing field of music therapy. By providing a source of refuge and comfort, music can play a significant role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle or in healing serious diseases. As research continues to explore the benefits of music in medicine, we can expect to see even more inspiring stories of hope and healing through the power of sound.
