Doctor Nathanael Hailu with Begena Master Ermias Haylay and Doctor Tsion Solomon at Grace Nursing Home using Begena as Music Therapy and treatment to induce sound meditation and sound healing palliative care. Ermias Haylay works with different doctors and psychiatrists introducing music therapy in the context of Begena. Begena is used in Nursing homes for patients and elderly residents that suffer from Dementia, Alzheimers, sleep disorders and other mental health illnesses.

 

Music Therapy in Modern Medicine

Music therapy is a rapid and successfully growing field in the psychiatric and  mental health facilities and treatment regimes (Mood disorder and depressive syndromes contribute to neurological disorders that affect the waves in which nerves communicate and make sense of the world (Raglio 22). Neurological diseases are often associated with several behavioral and psychological symptoms that is usually overlooked by neurologists. Most Psychiatrists also do not give  these causes enough attention considering them to be consequences of cerebral damage which does not concern their practices (Raglio 22). However in the last decade a growing body of health facilities that are using Musical intervention in clinical settings have made it a standard practice worldwide. This is because music engages a variety of brain areas involved in emotion, motivation, cognition and motor functions. Musical interventions have been used to increase socialization and cognitive and emotional neuromotor functioning(Hillecke 2005, Raglio 22). 

 Music Therapy in traditional indigenous practices

Music therapy has been used as a tool of healing since ancient times. Ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras, Aristotle and Plato mention and in courage the use of music as a healing practice (Thaut MH 2015). Native Americans also used music to enhance traditional healing practices for centuries (Thaut MH 2015). The Bible also mentions how spiritual music instruments (The Harp of David) being the most well known for its healing of Saul’s mental health issues mentioned in 1 Samuel:16. Begena (The Harp of David) has also been used and is still used in Ethiopia as a Spiritual and Mental Healing instrument under the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). 

What Makes Begena Different from other Music Therapy Practices

Begena is a spiritual instrument that is highly revered and respected nationwide in Ethiopia. In Imperial times it was not only used in the context of Healing and Medicine but to induce peace in any major get togethers, meetings and even wars. The term Aleka (Begena Master) was a highly revered career that was respected from Monastery up to the Palace. 

One of the main ways that makes Begena different from any other instrument is that it is a highly vibrational instrument. The combination of harsh and breathy sound attract the mind and control emotions (Weisser 2006 ). The Begena depending on the size can also go lower that most recorded instruments. This instrument dominates any other instrument when played. The sonograms below show how wide vibrational sounds of the begena (Weisser, 2006).

 

Combining Traditional and Religious Healing practice of Begena in modern medicine and treatment

Ermias Haylay is the only Begena Master in record to take the Begena to Modern Health facilities and nursing homes and cooperate with psychiatrists  and other doctors in the facility for Begena Music Therapy research and implementation to modern Treatment. 

“Begena can be used for religious reasons, but also as sound healing, like how David played to king Saul. Through playing Begena for the elderly at a Nursing Home, I worked as a therapist and it attracted a lot of patients, this gave me a chance to be a legally recognized therapist. The healing results were fascinating to say the least. Patients who had Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Anxiety started to recover and have better response (some with incredible speed). In our research and discussions with the doctors at the facility we confirmed that during deep relaxation different brainwave states are activated, the Begena puts patients in this recovery mood, their blood pressure would decrease, and anxiety and psychosis would often cease. The patients await the weekly Begena Sound Healing Therapy with great anticipation. In their feedback patients have shared that the sessions make them feel as if they went to church. It would awaken nostalgia of youth. In the context of premature babies, Begena Sound healing also promises many health benefits. During a panel discussion at the Ministry of Health, Professor Sean praised the Begena Sound Healing Results. It was covered by many local media channels, Hakim, ETV, Asham, Nahoo, Fana etc.” 

                                                                   - Ermias Haylay 

The length in which the Begena can be used in the Medical Field and Mental Health facilities  has barely scratched the surface. More research will be reviewed in our upcoming Annual Event Zekre Begena (Memorabilia of the Begena). 

 

Works Cited

Hillecke T, Nickel A, Bolay HV. Scientific perspectives on music therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005

Raglio  A, Attardo L, Gontero G, Rollino S, Groppo E, Ganieri E. Effects of Music and Music Therapy on mood in neurological patients. World J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar 22; 5 (1): 68-78. 

S. Weisser. The Ethiopian lyre Bagana: An instrument for emotion. In  proceeding of the 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition. 2006

Thaut MH. Music as Therapy in early history. Prog Brain Res. 2015; 217:143-58. Doi 2015