MUSIC THERAPY IN THE TEACHINGS OF IBN SINA

Abstract

This article explores the therapeutic role of music in the teachings of Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna), a preeminent physician and philosopher of the Islamic Golden Age. Known primarily for his monumental works in medicine and metaphysics, Ibn Sina was also among the earliest thinkers to articulate a detailed theory of music therapy. Through his writings—particularly The Canon of Medicine and Kitab al-Shifa—he explained how sound and melody influence the human psyche, restore emotional balance, and support physical health. This article analyzes Ibn Sina’s views on the psychophysiological effects of music, its application in medical treatment, and its enduring relevance in modern music therapy.