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Music Therapy and Sound Healing Online Program Reduces Pain and Stress with Lasting Effects during COVID – 19 – A Pilot Study
Music and Medicine, April, 2024, Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, Shannyn Fowl, ND.
Music & Medicine | 2024 | Volume 16 | Issue 2 | Pages 103 – 107. Featured article interview
Abstract
This pilot study demonstrates the positive response of participants and therapists to the effects of music therapy via telemedicine to improve recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this pilot study was to provide individuals with music therapy to address symptom reduction such as perceived pain, discomfort and anxiety. 61 individuals participated in a follow-up survey out of 171 participants from 12 countries, who were treated through one-to-one zoom sessions following a 30-minute protocol of live improvised music using instruments chosen for soothing or activating energy. Recipients responded to assessment questions pre and post and showed decreases in pain, anxiety and stress, sustained effect, and additionally notated their preferences for most effective instruments as well as open-ended narrative responses. The totality of all instruments were considered most helpful, with preference for the 22 inch frame drum and buffalo drum played in a soothing method. Many participants reported spontaneous healing imagery without any guidance demonstrating the power of sound and music to evoke individualized healing visualizations.
Overview
For a period of one year, from August, 2021 to August, 2022, we offered 30 – minute private sessions for individuals impacted by COVID – 19 using Zoom. The music therapy and sound healing sessions were provided by three volunteer facilitators for individuals with five criteria;
1. Current or recent case of COVID – 19.
2. Long COVID.
3. Grief due to loss of a loved one due to COVID – 19.
4. Workplace burnout due to COVID 19: health care workers, teachers, ministers, etc.
5. Vaccine reaction or anxiety.
Over time, we developed a thirty-minute protocol using evidence-based applications of live music and sound healing for immune support, symptom reduction, increased lung capacity, emotional processing and relaxation. The sessions were not a substitute for medical treatment, but a complementary tool for healing, symptom relief and self-care. Instruments used include frame drum, buffalo drum, djembe, Native American flute, crystal singing bowls, Sansula kalimba, guitar, monochord, Koshi chimes & voice. The volunteer practitioners were all trained, experienced professionals, including Christine Stevens, Gloria Taylor and Aaron Gannon. Approximately six sessions were available weekly, which most often were full.
Protocol
3-5 min – All sessions began with the question, “What drew you to this session?” Then a tech check for sound quality and volume. Then the instruction to receive the sound where you need it most, placing your hands on your body to draw sound to you.
2-3 min – Koshi chimes, key of A minor and C major, playing to support settling in and relaxed breathing.
8 min – Round 1: Playing monochord, singing bowls, or Native American Flute, key of low E and G.
8 min – Round 2: Playing 22’ frame drum, toning.
8 min – Healing Chant or song accompanied by djembe or buffalo drum. For example, Nigerian chant, “Ara Mi Le” – my whole body is well, used by permission of Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji. “When I breathe in; I breathe in peace.”
2 min – Repeating Koshi Chimes to close the session and integrate the healing.
Outcome Data
This preliminary data is based upon 61 responses to a brief follow-up online survey with just eight questions. Overall data revealed a strong reduction in pain, stress, and discomfort between pre and post self-rated levels, from an average level 8 to average level 1 on a scale of 1 – 10. The drums and Native American flutes were rated most effective, although “all of the above” was the strongest response to instrument preference. The most surprising result was the level of sustained effect, with 91% of people reporting lasting effects of the thirty-minute session, up to 7 days. Also surprisingly, many people reported spontaneous healing imagery, without any guidance, demonstrating the power of sound and music to evoke visualization.
- Pre and Post level of pain, stress, and discomfort
- What instrument was most helpful
- Lasting Effects of Session
- Spontaneous healing imagery
Example: During the flute, I saw Eagle soaring freely over the canyons. During the drumming, I felt a feminine energy- saw images of women using the frame drum to work with the grains. When she sang a Lakota song, I felt as though a blanket was placed on my back. My right shoulder has been holding much tension and I felt a great release and sense of serenity. At the end, I had an image of small light spirits with tools working on healing my body.
Follow Up Support
https://soundcloud.com/naturesutras/sets/covid-19-sound-healing-project
Participants with offered a downloadable thirty-minute session to listen to when needed for follow up. Each individual track was also separated in case participants had a preference for a certain instrument and wanted to isolated that sound for their ongoing healing.
Testimonials
After the first treatment, I began to come “home,” like a soul retrieval. After the second treatment, I was able to make decisions to prioritize my self-care.
The healing reverberations lasted for weeks.
The healing I received is expanded and transmitted on with great joy to patients at the Psychiatric Facility where I work.
I felt calm for several days and if stress arose, I could picture myself in the healing session. It made me feel relaxed and lighter.
My pain and stress were so low, it was the first time in days I didn’t need to take medication.
Listen to a Sample with Aaron Gannon, Christine Stevens, Gloria Taylor
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