Abstract

Music is a universal language, and is the best way of cultural interaction, communication and share feelings. Different musical melodies have different influences on mind states of individuals. Musical therapy is a special type of therapy in which verbal communication is coupled with musical interaction and communication styles. Selection of person specific and therapeutic music styles will result in the alleviation of several symptoms in patients under palliative care. Musical therapy is a significant supportive tool for the treatment of cognitive, physical, social, environmental and spiritual needs of palliative care patients of all ages. Furthermore, it prevents the disturbances caused by cancer treatment. The use of musical therapy in Turkish history has first been mentioned in Uyghur rock inscriptions. Ottoman music is a sophisticated and developed synthesis of the makam music. Ottomans would use different instrumental and vocal musical pieces to cure certain medical and psychological conditions. In more recent times however, ethnomusicology was not included in the curriculum as a teaching or means of therapy in Turkish medicine, that is why it did not become a routine treatment modality, the applications were limited to the disciplines of psychiatry, anesthesiology, intensive care, surgery and pediatric medicine as well as to the academic studies of the physicians who had an interest in this field. Despite the fact that it is a significant contributor to the control of symptoms in palliative care patients, there have not been studies emphasizing the importance of its use in such patients until recently. Together with reentry into agenda of the treatment efficacy of music in Turkey and worldwide, Ministry of Health of Turkey initiated a ''Musical Therapy Training Certificate Program'' For health professionals in 2016. In addition to this intervention, professional musicians should also have an interest in this topic and should collaborate with the physicians academically in the treatment process. This review emphasizes the need for initiating routine clinical applications, academic studies and trainings with cultural, ethnic and individualized Turkish music therapy on palliative care patients as a means of efficient palliation.

Full Text
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