Shamanism and Music Therapy: Ancient Healing Techniques in Modern Practice
T. Winn, B. J. Crowe, Juan Moreno
Music Therapy Perspectives 1989 DOI: 10.1093/mtp/7.1.67 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key points | Argues that shamanic techniques such as repetitive drumming and singing are effective healing practices that access unconscious information, and that neurophysiological evidence supports this. Contends that modern music therapy shares many parallels with shamanism, and proposes that music therapists learn and apply these techniques with patients. |
Abstract
Shamanism is an ancient healing practice that utilizes various techniques, including repetitive drumming and singing, to access information from the human unconscious. Current information in neurophysiology suggests reasons for the effectiveness of these ancient techniques of healing. Many parallels exist between modern music therapy techniques and shamanic practices that would be beneficial for music therapists to learn and apply to their work with patients.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |