| Abstract: | The understanding of music as a means of healing is profoundly shaped by historical, cultural, and scientific developments that have culminated in recognising modern music therapy as a legitimate healthcare discipline. The therapeutic effects of music were already acknowledged in the earliest civilisations. More than 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians used music to treat patients, while in antiquity, music was attributed with magical powers of purification, soothing the mind, and healing physical ailments. Among numerous Indigenous cultures worldwide, songs, rhythms, and sounds have been integral to magical and healing practices, underscoring the universality of music as a tool for enhancing health and community cohesion. In the Middle Ages, monks employed liturgical chants to alleviate psychological distress and pain. Over the centuries, various approaches to the therapeutic use of music evolved, ranging from ritualistic and religious practices to modern music therapy, which began to develop as a scientific discipline at the end of the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, music therapy played a significant role in the rehabilitation of war veterans, and today, it remains a vital component of contemporary clinical practice. It is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration and is applied across diverse medical fields. This chapter examines the historical dimension of music’s healing power from ancient times to the present, focusing on key historical milestones, cultural differences, scientific foundations, and current trends and challenges in clinical practice. |
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