The Healing Forces of Music: History, Theory, and Practice

by Randall McClellan

The Healing Forces of Music explores the shamanistic practices and musical cosmologies of the ancient world, the worlds of Eastern and Western classical forms, as well as contemporary resources. McClellan takes us into basic acoustics, the process of hearing and the vibratory nature of the human body. He presents a healing method through cymatics (the effect of vibration on physical matter), and also systems of healing with sound, voice and mantra, Tantric therapies and the utilization of the Endocrine Gland system and Chakra energies. He presents a thorough investigation of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual effects of music, the characteristics of healing music, procedures for using music as a healing agent and advocates a new philosophy of music as a transcendent experience.A scholarly survey of the history, theory and practice of sound and music healing, remarkable in its cross-cultural and historical perspectives.very well received by professionals in the field.David Lorimer, Noetic Sciences Review"A major piece of work on music therapy in its widest meaning that would be of great value to musicians and non-musicians alike. Of special interest is his analysis of the physical, emotional and spiritual effects of music, including the characteristics of music for meditation.James DAngelo, Caduceus MagazineSingular work in the fields of historical perspective and potential clinical applications of music as a health promoting modality. We have no knowledge of any other individual with Dr. McClellans background in this field.Dr. Jonathan Klate, Journal of Alternative MedicineInnovative and important to a high degree.I consider this one of the two most far-reaching books on music that I have read. Dr. McClellans role in defining the full nature of music promises to be one of unusual dist

Genres: Music, Spirituality

Paperback

First published May 1, 1987

Reviews

[Filippo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting book. Provides many interesting ideas and fields of research (as well as suggestions on how to conduct a research on music therapy), and a large number of underrated theories and spiritual practices. I only gave 3 stars because the down side of the book is that it's often difficult to follow a clear line, as if the connections between the different practices were absolutely clear to the writer but he wasn't able to convey it in clear terms, thus the book is at times confusing (for example, there is an introduction about the functioning of the ear and basics of physics, things that will never be mentioned again the book and of which utility is not really understandable).
Anyway, it's definitely a must read.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history, interesting theories. However, theories that I would say are way too broad - instead of identifying specific areas where music may be useful, he basically argues that it cures everything. Not into that type of black/white generalization and find it rarely applicable in health. Do really like his separation between single tones and those with multiple tones/melodies/rhythym and the difference in potential effects between them.