Sound has been a crucial part of human communication for hundreds of thousands of years, rooted deeply in our biology. The ancient Greeks were well aware of the powerful effects of sound on the body and mind, with music playing a significant role in the education of young people because they knew the power of music and its educational value.
Music and sound, however, quite often affect the brain and body in different ways. Music is very subjective, usually having an emotional effect on the listener which is either experienced directly or perceived. Emotions influence other cerebral activities and biological systems, such as the endocrine (hormone) system and the cardiovascular system. Thus, sound and music can be created for therapeutic use.
Here in Ibiza, Dr. Nigel Agger BDS and Dr. David Martin del Yerro Casanueva have been making significant contributions to this emerging field, by creating original music based on current understanding of music therapy and music psychology, utilizing proprietary technology to increase the efficacy of the music. The technology developed is research grade and measures the physiology of listeners via a simple finger clip connected to a laptop computer.
At a series of private group sessions around the island including at the Hekamiah Dome retreat space near Sant Llorenç, biological rhythms of the participants are influenced and tracked, with music fostering group coherence, connectivity and pro-social behaviour.
“We have been testing our pre-recorded music and delivering music therapy sessions for a few years now. And we want to further develop this modality right here in Ibiza, hopefully making a significant contribution to this growing field,” says Nigel. “Music has the amazing ability to strengthen the connection between body and mind, helping each to work together and form an inner sense of rightness, the sense of a complete human being. And aside from our live sessions, we have also provided these tracks to many individuals for feedback to help us with our constant R & D.”
One participant is Cathal Smyth: “Listening to the music led me gently away from my worldly worries,” he admits. “My thoughts drifted away. I was aware of my body and recognised my need to relax, restore and regenerate. And to be perfectly honest, I welcomed the rest. It felt like a sanctuary. A feeling of total and utter peace.”
For further information, please contact Nigel aggernigel@gmail.com
