Psychologists Use Music for Treatments

BEIJING (March 17) XINHUA - Music can be used as an effective medical treatment especially for psychological diseases, according to a leading Chinese psychologist.

      The Musical Therapy Research Center of the Central Conservatory of Music, the first of its kind in China, has cured dozens of patients suffering from diseases such as depression, neurasthenia, mysophobia (an unhealthy obsession with cleanliness) and other phobias since its opening last September, according to Gao Tian, one of the founders.

      He explained that the musical therapy doctor usually spends three to five hours to diagnose the patient's condition, and then makes up a musical prescription.

      "After the patient goes into a semi-conscious state while listening to the music, the doctor will change the musical rhythms, which apparently allows the patient give vent to pent-up feelings, " Gao explained.

      "When the patient's mood falls to the lowest point, it will instinctively rise and then the doctor will switch the music to joyful and positive themes, thus giving the patient the impression of being happy, fearless and self-confident," said Gao.

      He stressed that musical therapy, which has no side effects, can help treat diseases including cancer and high blood pressure resulting from long-term depressions. It can also improve people's memory.

      But he explained that musical therapy is not suitable for everyone. Patients should be fond of music at least and must have received some education. Enditem 17/03/99 07:36 GMT