We all know intuitively perhaps, that music is much more than just sounds put together or pretty tunes, and that art is more than just paint splattered on a canvas. Almost all the music we hear and the art we see are products of someone's emotion. More importantly, it is a form of communication for many individuals who cannot express themselves due to a disability or some form of debilitating illness. Thus, music and art have been incorporated into many hospitals as part of treatment plans for these patients. However, recognition that this form of therapy really does help patients has not been easily won. But now this form of therapy is gaining increasing respect from doctors who are responsible for the care of the most critically ill.

The medical world is a powerfully regulated one. Its traditions focus on treatment of the needs of the physical, chemical, and somatic human being. The contribution of therapists to the diagnosis and treatment of the seriously ill may seem trivial. Moreover, to suggest that music or art should play a central role in the management of life-threatening conditions may even appear sentimental and irresponsible. Yet doctors treating the physical body have had to acknowledge that their work had been supported significantly by changes in their patients' emotional state, awareness of life, and will to live. Such a change was first evident following World War II when music therapy was administered to patients in the Veterans Administration hospitals. It was found that the music improved their mood and their depression was minimized. Hence, the profession of music therapy was born.

You may be wondering, "How can music help someone feel better?" The answer is within that question. It makes people feel. People recognize their own feelings in music, and they respond to music with feelings. Some music "sounds sad," but how do we know? Where is the feeling of sadness? Is it really in the music? Or is it in us? If it is in us, then why do we say that it is the music that sounds sad, joyful, or angry? Music can portray the meaning of our emotional lives: the essential qualities of who we are. We recognize these qualities and respond to them when we listen to music, which is why it is significant to many people.

Music therapy has been particularly effective with children. The sensory stimulation and the nature of music can help to develop a child's ability to express emotion, communicate, and develop rhythmic movement. There is also some evidence that speech and language skills can be improved through the stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain. All these improvements can be achieved by singing, composing, remembering lyrics, or simply listening. Children can also experience improved muscle contraction, coordination, and increased strength through musical activities, such as instrumental playing.

Vijay Khiani, a first year medical student at UIC, spent a year researching the effects of classical and Disney type music on inpatient children in the pediatric ward at the UIC hospital. In reference to this study, he states that "when using classical or Disney music, the patient became more relaxed, and their mood brightened up. This was evident in the 12%-15% decrease in their heart rate." He also adds that "music also helps doctors perform in a more relaxed manner when in surgery."

It is clear that appropriately selected music can decrease stress, anxiety and pain for adults as well. Zoraida Villa, a dental assistant at Mount Sinai Hospital, is a strong advocate of music therapy. She testifies that "music is what helped (her) through (her) pregnancy." During her 20 hours epidural free delivery, she listened to Yanni: Live at the Acropolis. She also adds, "I don't think I would have been able to handle the pain if it weren't for Yanni."

By the same token, art therapy, sometimes called expressive art or art psychology, has had many beneficial effects. It provides critical insights into the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the patient. Art therapy also offers a chance for self-discovery and personal fulfillment. Empowerment can also be achieved through externalizing fears that otherwise could not be expressed, thus giving some sense of control over those feelings. Much of the healing involves simply helping the person express his or her pain, fear, anxiety, or disappointment. For many people just talking to a friend is sufficient. For others, however, this is not enough.

Art therapy has had significant results in treating substance abuse, sexual abuse, and eating disorders. So how does it work? In the case of eating disorders, art becomes a way for an individual to get in touch with ideas that may contribute to the symptoms. Thus, what is repressed can be expressed more easily through imagery than through words. Even when a person has just suffered a physical trauma, whether accidental or surgery, art can help. A massive shock to the body elicits powerful feelings in which words are weak, but art can be a release. With this, art enables individuals to express and to contain overwhelming emotions.

The "analysis" of the artwork in art therapy typically allows patients to gain some level of insight into their feelings and lets them work through these issues in a constructive manner. It can also be a particularly useful treatment tool for children, who frequently have limited language skills. By drawing or using other visual supplies as means to express troublesome feelings, younger patients can begin to address these issues, even if they cannot identify or label these emotions with words.

The creative arts therapies are powerful treatments that are now available to the public. However, it must be understood that these are not wonder treatments. The arts are mere attempts at communicating with our inner self and to relieve the pain that is holding us back from understanding our feelings. In a sense, this form of creative therapy is an antidote to the inner spirit that modern medicine cannot cure.

Homaira is currently a senior and expects to graduate in May 2002 with a BS in biological sciences. She will continue on to graduate school and hopes to enter medical school upon completion of a master's degree.