Â
By Chris Moriates
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Many believe in the healing power of music. But selling music as
medicine?
Why not?
The soothing power of music can help with many ailments, and
with the recent trauma of terrorist attacks and war, music has
become something to which people all over the country are turning
for relief.
Enter Music Medicine Inc., which, according to the company,
focuses on “providing original music, specifically produced
to aid relaxation.” Envisioned by Bernard Besman, record
producer for such notable acts as John Lee Hooker and Milt Johnson,
while laying in a hospital bed after his stroke in 1996, music
medicine may be paving a whole new road to healing.
And according to Ethan Sischo of Music Medicine Inc., the recent
traumas experienced by the nation has caused an increase in sales
and demand for their unusual form of treatment.
“The smooth, soothing musical arrangements will offer a
welcome distraction to those suffering from depression, stress,
anxiety, agitation and pain from various afflictions,” said
Dr. Hart C. M. Cohen, associate clinical professor of medicine at
UCLA School of Medicine and attending neurologist at Cedars-Sinai
Medical Center, in a letter of endorsement for Music Medicine.
“Those who are preoccupied with discomfort and disease
will find inner peace and tranquility by focusing on the healing
and calming effects of the flowing musical tones,” Dr. Cohen
continued. “(The) musical therapy will be a welcome addition
to one’s repertoire of treatments.”
The CDs come in 12 different volumes, each carrying a different
theme, from “The Solitary Sounds of Nature” to
“The Whole World Pay Homage to Marilyn Monroe.” Each
disc carries sounds of waterfalls gently fading into the calming
tunes, bringing the listener on a mental retreat as the music
soothes the nerves. Bringing a whole new meaning to “easy
listening,” the Music Medicine albums will mellow out even
the proverbial beast.
The motto of Music Medicine Inc., “Zero Side
Effects,” seemingly mocks the laundry list of side effects
associated with other depression-relieving cures.
Blue Shield of California is the first insurance company to
offer tapes of soothing sounds to its members who are scheduled for
various types of surgery, according to Music Medicine Inc.
For $17.99 an album, Besman and his company will provide their
musical form of healing to anyone in need. Who needs a psychiatrist
when a CD can give gentle horns, reassuring rhythms, consoling
waterfalls and slow melodies to mend the psyche and nurse
affliction?
Check out Music Medicine Inc. online at www.musicmedicineinc.com.