This week’s blog writer is Eleonora Ligabò. She runs the Harp Center in Lugano, Switzerland where you can contact her for lessons for this beautiful instrument as well as for music therapy. She is also an official reseller of Sunshima’s acupressure mat and pillow set. Her article explains how the harp is an excellent instrument for music therapy, the importance of music for our wellbeing and how using an acupressure mat relieves stress and body pain.
by Eleonora Ligabò, Guest writer and Sunshima reseller
Harp Center by Eleonora Ligabò is the only specialized center of its kind in Ticino and Switzerland. It offers several activities that aim at the study of the instrument: lessons for professionals, for amateurs and different approaches to better the coordination. Harp Center by Eleonora Ligabò is also a music studio for people with dyslexia. The harp is also an instrument that is used for different musical therapies.
Several clinical studies attest the therapeutic effect of the harp with its unique sound and demanding coordination. Specifically rehabilitative music therapy is applied as a complementary therapy for pathological and para physiological conditions. The harp can improve a person’s condition at different levels, facilitating the achievement of treatment goals. The musical experience, especially with the harp being one of the world’s most ancient instruments, can influence many areas such as cognitive functions, coordination, emotional development, social skills and quality of life.
Music
The relationship between music and body, a subject of interest since ancient times, with the development of modern medicine, has deepened the healing potential using increasingly sophisticated means (neuroscience). The aim of these researches was to indicate which disease could be treated by musical experiences. (Scientific studies: Fondazione Maugeri 2012; Canadian Medical Association). Acting at these levels, sound is able to modulate a series of metabolic responses. The mental wellbeing that is experienced by playing the harp is due to the sweet sound and melodies that activate the neuronal networks related to pleasure in the brain, producing endocrines that improve mood and encourage relaxation.
Health
Many of us have a favorite playlist that relaxes our minds and gives us inner balance. When we “make music” with a musical instrument, this effect is more than doubled. The brain assimilates the relaxing frequencies of the instrument we have chosen and generates high states of wellbeing. Playing an instrument reduces stress, the feeling of pain and sadness and activates the endorphins, thus also strengthening our immune system.
Relaxation
As a professional musician I have been playing the harp since I was 4, practically my whole life. Finding an inner balance is very important both for facing life and for the “stage” life. A couple of years ago I discovered the acupressure mat which is a formidable aid for relaxation and for back, shoulder and neck pain. Many of my students as well as colleagues and yoga teachers confirm this effect. It really helps to rebalance and to relieve stress. Sitting many hours behind an instrument but also in front of a computer can very easily create back/neck problems. The acupressure mat is an excellent means to fight these issues.