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Harp music's 'loving sound' creates healing environment, expert says

Hot Topic - Expert Source

Date: February 20, 2008
Contact: Dr. Cynthia Green Libby
(417) 836-5547
CynthiaLibby@missouristate.edu

SPRINGFIELD, MO. – The soft and soothing sounds of a harp can help create a healing environment, said Dr. Cynthia Green Libby , professor of music at Missouri State University.
 
Libby, an accomplished musician and oboist, recently fulfilled all of the requirements to become a certified harp therapy practitioner. She explained that a harp therapy practitioner attempts to create an atmosphere conducive to healing, as opposed to a music therapist, who tries to modify patient behavior.
 
“Someone at the end of life, for example, in a hospice setting, may find the soothing and reassuring presence of the harp music uplifting,” she said. “It may help calm their fears, reduce agitation and blood pressure, or even just create a welcome diversion from the humming and beeping of hospital machines.”
 
Libby said that documented studies reveal that 20 minutes of live harp music by a certified harp therapy practitioner can also reduce pain and anxiety, improve breathing, elevate mood, create diversion, increase sense of well-being and spark pleasant memories.
 
“Ongoing studies have shown that stress reduction increases the release of endorphins, chemicals which promote healing and increase immunity,” she said, adding that music can aid anyone of any age.
 
“We now know that sound is not only the first sense to form in utero, at 5 ½ months, but is also the last sense to depart at death,” she said. “I have seen, myself, how a comatose patient will actually respond to the harp music.”
 
Since completing her certification through the International Harp Therapy Program based in San Diego, Libby has realized the benefits of harp music which is played in a hospital or hospice setting.
 
“Personally, I have found it to be most uplifting work,” she says. “Regardless of the age or condition of the patient, we are creating an environment of loving sound which is beneficial to everyone within earshot. When I played at the hospital, I found that even the nurses seemed to find the music helpful as they went about their very stressful days. Even the family members of terminal patients would request the music in their rooms.”
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