23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

serves as an integral part of music therapy in which the
patient is encouraged to express by way of music, sony,
or any other artistic means, his own fearfu1 fantasies.
Prince stresses that Endorphine is especially active
under extreme stress-situations this is also true of
hormonal activity, such as an increase of the adrenalin
level in the bloodstream.
In conclusion is can be stated that the above-mentioned
studies propose an added dimension (widely
researched over the last ten years) to the possible
function of the Endorphines in Ecstatic rituals already
described.
So far the Neurophysiological descriptions match the
events of the Ecstatic ritual, We shall now examine the
Physiological effects of the Hypnotic ritual on its
participants.
943
We have already noted that the singing, acconpanied
by rattling or rhythmic drumming, is characterised by
repetition, by a very limited dynamic, by a steady and
moderate tempo, and by a general atmosphere of
soothing and limited movement.
From the point of view of a music therapist such musical
characteristics, movement and surroundings, provide
the ideal setting for the total relaxation of the patient and
his or her descent into slumber.
Both in the Ecstatic ritual, as in the hypnotic, the
rhythmic opening is characterised by repetition and
monotony, thus focussing the personal consciousness
inwards.
This is not simply a mental process:
affected by one's physical posture and the effort
needed to counteract the force of gravity During a
hypnotic ritual, the Healer (mostly seated), and the