Harp Therapy

How is Therapeutic Harp Uniquely Healing?
Therapeutic harp is as varied as each individual
at any age one can benefit, including various situations

~CHILDREN in HOSPITAL settings, and with other SPECIAL NEEDS such as developmental disabilities, respond well to the harp. Evidence of a range of healthy outcomes have been recorded. They include appropriate excitement, joy, empowerment, as well as relaxation. Neonatal lullabies increase rest and healing.
~In the CORPORATE structure, harps have been utilized as part of a STRESS MANAGEMENT program. The results are a "time out" refreshment and centering for employees. Increased concentration and motivation have been reported.
~During CHILDBIRTH, harp music helps to create an atmosphere of love and safety, with the possibility of supporting the rhythm of the mother's breathing durding appropriate times.
~For people in INTENSIVE CARE Units and in Operating Rooms, monitors show that the heart rate decreases and the Oxygenation levels increase when soothing harp music is played. Harp music provides sound or focus other than the humming and beeping of hospital machines. We not only work with Resonant tone but with Double Resonance.
~In HOSPICES, transitional stages are often an area where harp music can be very supportive. The sounds of the harp comfort and soothe the patient who may be in pain or experiencing fear. The FAMILIES of these loved ones also benefit from the support of therapeutic harp.
~People who suffer from ALZHEIMER’S Disease may access memory through songs from their past.
~INTERACTIVE work, touching and even learning to play the harp, increases the recipient's PHYSICAL
co-ordination and concentration. The benefit of a shared activity can also be important.

Practitioner graduates of the International Harp Therapy Program use the small harp as a bedside instrument with the intention of supporting the recipient's goal of healing. This goal may be emotional, physical, mental and/or spiritual in nature. For example, the music tempo will match the breathing of the listener, and the “mode” or mood of the tunes played are individualized. Improvized and unique song(s) are created for the present situation, which may change during the course of the session. The soothing sounds of the harp not only can enhance the quality of life, but create the possibility of interactive work in which the recipient might touch the body or strings of the harp. Because it is tuned in a mode, whatever is played sounds beautiful.

Websites for Playing Harp & more on the International Harp Therapy Program, or an in depth resource and reading list go to:

www.harprealm.com * www.playharp.com * <therapeuticMusician.com>
www.soundandmusicalliance.blogspot.com

For more information references & music samples please feel free to

Jan-Joy Sax <info@harpygirl.com>