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| LETTER TO EDITOR |
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| Year : 2020 | Volume
: 3
| Issue : 4 | Page : 871-872 |
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The healing nature of music
Eki Shola Abrams
American Board of Internal Medicine
| Date of Submission | 22-Sep-2020 |
| Date of Decision | 05-Oct-2020 |
| Date of Acceptance | 06-Oct-2020 |
| Date of Web Publication | 25-Dec-2020 |
Correspondence Address:
Eki Shola Abrams
P.O. Box: 2104, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/crst.crst_294_20
How to cite this article:
Abrams ES. The healing nature of music. Cancer Res Stat Treat 2020;3:871-2 |
It was refreshing to read Dr. Anant Ramaswamy's perspective as an oncologist and his musical influences.[1].
I too have pondered the marvel of how music can convey such meaning, and to me, it illustrates the connection we have with rhythms and shows how more similar than different we are. As both a musician and a physician myself, I have personally experienced the true healing nature of music. Whether it is the lyrics, notes, or both that move the listener, many of us can probably identify an experience when we were touched and inspired by a certain musical piece. I completely identify with Ramaswamy's reflection with regard to music's magical capability that allowed him “to ponder, pontificate in isolation, and essentially feel better, if not uplifted!”
In 2011, I spent several months accompanying my mother to her oncology appointments and subsequent frequent hospitalizations, and I hold a deep respect for the medical team that provided her with such compassionate care throughout her 6-month battle with leiomyosarcoma. Toward the end of her journey, while hospitalized, a kind-hearted music therapist graced our family and ailing mother, with a bedside version of Bob Marley's “No Woman No Cry” – which still brings tears to my eyes to this day. Here were music and medicine hand in hand, a combination of inspiration and healing that provided comfort and hope regardless of the outcome.
Dr. Ramaswamy mentioned that, “a majority of us allow our work to engulf us,” and I certainly have witnessed that here in the United States. However, with reference to hobbies, he follows with, what if we allowed these “aspects of our lives to bloom.” With regard to the arts, I believe that it would greatly enrich not only our lives as physicians but also that of the health-care system and the patients we are privileged to help take care of.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | |  |
| 1. | Ramaswamy A. Music as a bed 'rock' of relaxation and awe. Cancer Res Stat Treat 2020;3:421-31.  [Full text] |
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