You’ve probably heard of Apollo, God of Music and Medicine. When I was planning my website over fifteen years ago, I thought it would be wonderful to have the theme of Apollo running through the site. Although I later strayed from this theme, I still think it’s so important for people to know about Apollo and how revered he was.
My point is to show that Music and Medicine have been linked for thousands of years. It is a documented fact that for thousands of years, most physicians were also musicians and they understood how to use and prescribe music in a way that was helpful to ill people. For example, a physicians in the time of Socrates might have suggested or prescribed to someone suffering from depression that they have someone play the lyre in the Phrygian mode for 30 minutes before bed. Or someone with a migraine or nausea might be prescribed a lute playing in the Dorian mode for 20-30 minutes in the evening before bed. The fact is that we don’t really know exactly how music was prescribed, but there are numerous ancient treatises that mention music as a treatment for illnesses.
There seems to be a resurgence of people naming their sons Apollo, and it’s definitely a great name and image! Apollo was not only the Greek god of music and medicine, but also of many other things and his name lives on today. In my case, it’s just another major historical indicator that music and medicine have always gone together in a serious and meaningful way. Next time you’re not feeling well, put on some of your favorite soothing music; try using instrumental music primarily, and just notice how it makes you feel!
Please click on the link below to read all about Apollo. Enjoy!
https://healingmusicenterprises.com/Apollo.html
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