Classical Musician’s Guide to Integrative & Alternative Medicine
- Katie A. Berglof
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Musicians live inside their bodies and their art. Every phrase is shaped through breathing, muscle memory, and emotional expression. Yet when injury, chronic pain, or psychological stress interrupts that delicate balance, traditional medical care often falls short of addressing the whole musician. This is where integrative and alternative medicine steps in.
Integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with complementary and alternative therapies. It is a philosophy as much as a practice -- healing the musician not just through surgery, pills, or physical therapy, but through attention to body awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional resilience.
Although few health care systems offer both conventional and alternative approaches under the same roof, musicians have long sought out these therapies on their own. Many have even become practitioners themselves, bringing a unique perspective shaped by lived experience.
This guide introduces a range of therapies that musicians have used to restore health, rebuild their careers, and rediscover balance between body and mind.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed health care professional. The therapies discussed here vary widely in training standards, regulation, and evidence base. Musicians are encouraged to consult qualified medical providers and licensed practitioners when exploring integrative or alternative approaches, especially when managing injury, chronic pain, trauma, or psychological distress. What is healing or helpful for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Bodywork and Somatic Practices
These therapies focus on movement, posture, and body awareness. They are especially valuable for musicians managing repetitive strain, tension, or performance-related injuries.
Alexander Technique A method that teaches musicians to notice and release unnecessary tension in everyday movements, often leading to freer playing and reduced risk of injury.
More Information...
Association: American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT)
https://alexandertechniqueusa.org/
Founding Practitioner: F. Matthias Alexander
Recommended Book: The Use of the Self by F. Matthias Alexander
Additional Resource: Alexander Technique International (ATI)
Feldenkrais Method A movement education system that rewires the nervous system through gentle, exploratory exercises, helping musicians move with efficiency and ease.
More Information...
Association: International Feldenkrais Federation (IFF) https://feldenkrais-method.org/
Founding Practitioner: Moshé Feldenkrais
Recommended Book: Awareness Through Movement by Moshé Feldenkrais
Additional Resource: Feldenkrais Guild of North America (FGNA) https://feldenkrais.com/
Body Mapping An educational approach that improves posture and prevents injury by teaching accurate awareness of anatomical structure and movement.
More Information...
Association: While a formal association specifically for body mapping is not widespread, organizations such as the Body Mapping Project provide resources.
Practitioner: Carol Dornhoff
(see “Who We Are” section)
Recommended Book: Body Mapping for Conscious Musicians by Carol Dornhoff
Additional Resource: https://bodymapping.org/portland/
Rolfing A deep tissue technique that reorganizes fascia (the connective tissue around muscles) to improve alignment and relieve chronic pain.
More Information...
Association: Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
Founding Practitioner: Ida P. Rolf
Recommended Book: Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being by Ida P. Rolf
Additional Resource: https://www.elementalrolfing.com/rolfing_resources.html
Trager Approach A gentle method that uses rocking, stretching, and light touch to re-educate the nervous system and release long-held tension.
More Information...
Association: The Trager Institute
Founding Practitioner: Dr. Milton Trager
Recommended Book: The Trager Approach: The Complete Mind-Body System for Balancing and Harmonizing the Body by Milton Trager and Carol Lucas
Pilates A system of core-focused exercises that build strength, stability, and flexibility — especially beneficial for posture and breath control.
More Information...
Association: Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)
https://pilatesmethodalliance.org/
Founding Practitioner: Joseph Pilates
Recommended Book: Return to Life through Contrology by Joseph Pilates
Additional Resource: https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/
Yoga An ancient practice combining postures, breathwork, and mindfulness. Yoga strengthens the body, quiets the mind, and restores balance.
More Information...
Association: Yoga Alliance
Influential Practitioner: B.K.S. Iyengar
Recommended Book: Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Additional Resource: https://www.mindfulteachers.org/blog/yoga-resources-for-every-body
Tai Chi and Qigong Chinese practices of flowing movement, balance, and controlled breathing, often described as meditation in motion.
More Information...
Association: National Qigong Association
Founding Practitioner: Yang Chengfu
Recommended Book: The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan by Wong Kiew Kit
Additional Resource: Qigong Institute educational materials
Manual Therapies and Hands-On Healing
Musicians with physical injuries often turn to therapies that involve touch and manipulation to release tightness, restore circulation, and encourage healing.
Massage Therapy The manipulation of soft tissue to reduce pain, promote relaxation, and improve circulation.
More Information...
Association: https://amtamassage.org/ American Massage Therapy Association
Prominent Practitioner/Book: Ben Benjamin, author of The Ethics of Touch
Additional Resource: https://mblexguide.com/professional-associations-and-organizations-for-massage-therapy/
Myofascial Release A manual therapy that targets restrictions in fascia, easing mobility and reducing chronic pain.
More Information...
Seminars and Training: https://www.myofascialrelease.com/
Founder/Practitioner: John F. Barnes
Recommended Book: Healing Through the Fascia by Serge Paoletti
Additional Resource: https://www.iptwellness.com/resources/
Acupuncture and Cupping Traditional Chinese practices that stimulate circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture uses thin needles at precise points, while cupping uses suction to release tension.
More Information...
Association: https://www.nccaom.org/ National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Historical Figure: Ling Shu or Huangdi
Recommended Book: The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk
Additional Resource: https://www.acufinder.com/
Acupressure Finger pressure applied to acupuncture points to stimulate healing without needles.
More Information...
Association: https://www.nccaom.org/
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Practitioner: Michael Reed Gach
Recommended Book: Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach
Additional Resource: https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment
Chiropractic Care Spinal and joint adjustments designed to restore alignment, reduce nerve compression, and support musculoskeletal health.
More Information...
Association: https://www.acatoday.org/ American Chiropractic Association
Founder: Daniel David Palmer
Recommended Book: Essential Principles of Chiropractic by Virgil V. Strang
Additional Resource: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic
Osteopathic Manipulation A physician-based approach that uses hands-on adjustments to improve mobility and balance body systems.
More Information...
Association: https://osteopathic.org/ American Osteopathic Association
Originator: Andrew Taylor Still
Recommended Book: Osteopathy: Research and Practice by Andrew Taylor Still
Additional Resource: https://www.aacom.org/
Gua Sha A scraping technique from Chinese medicine that promotes blood flow and eases tension in muscles.
More Information...
Association: Chinese Medicine Society https://www.chinesemedicinesociety.org/
Practitioner: Sandra Lanshin Chiu: A licensed acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with extensive experience in the field. She is the founder of Lanshin, a TCM dermatology brand that emphasizes authenticity and education in Gua Sha practice.
Recommended Book: Gua Sha: A Traditional Technique for Modern Practice by Arya Nielsen
Additional Resource: https://www.guasha.com/project/gua-sha-certification/
Reflexology A therapy that applies pressure to points on the feet, hands, or ears believed to correspond with internal organs and body systems.
More Information...
Association: https://www.reflexology-usa.net/ or International Institute of Reflexology
Practitioner: Eunice Ingham
Recommended Book: Stories the Feet Can Tell by Inge Dougans on Eunice Ingham's work
Additional Resource: https://www.arcb.net/ American Reflexology Certification Board
Mind–Body Interventions
The nervous system lies at the center of performance. These therapies aim to quiet the fight-flight-freeze response, reduce anxiety, and strengthen resilience.
Meditation, Guided Imagery, and Visualization Mental practices that use focus and imagery to calm the nervous system and enhance performance.
More Information...
Association: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Practitioner: Jon Kabat-Zinn
Recommended Book: Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Additional Resource: https://www.mindful.org/
Breathing Methods Intentional breathwork that improves lung function, lowers stress, and helps regulate performance anxiety.
More Information...
Association: https://www.vedicyoga.org/pranayama
Practitioner: Swami Vivekananda
Recommended Book: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art By James Nestor
Additional Resource: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises
Progressive Muscle Relaxation A systematic practice of tensing and releasing muscle groups to create full-body relaxation.
More Information...
Association: https://www.apa.org/
American Psychological Association
Originator: Edmund Jacobson
Recommended Book: Progressive Relaxation by Edmund Jacobson
Additional Resource: https://www.anxietycanada.com/physiotherapy-progressive-muscle-relaxation/
Biofeedback Therapy Technology that monitors physiological responses such as heart rate or muscle tension, teaching musicians how to consciously regulate stress.
More Information...
Association: https://www.aapb.org/
Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Practitioner: Elmer and Alyce Green
Recommended Book: Biofeedback: A Practitioner’s Guide by Mark S. Schwartz
Additional Resource: https://www.bcia.org/
Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Guided states of deep relaxation and focus that allow access to the subconscious, supporting habit change and stress relief.
More Information...
Association: https://www.asch.net/
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Practitioner: Milton H. Erickson
Recommended Book: My Voice Will Go with You: The Teaching Tales of Milton H. Erickson by Sidney Rosen
Additional Resource: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/hypnosis.asp
Prayer and Spiritual Practice For some musicians, spiritual reflection or prayer provides grounding, resilience, and meaning during healing.
More Information...
Association: Search for your tradition or national pastoral care organizations (e.g., National Association of Pastoral Counselors). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions
Religious/Spiritual Philosopher: Ralph Waldo Emerson https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ralph-waldo-emerson
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/8076/ralph-waldo-emerson/
Additional Resource: https://spiritualityandpractice.com/
Creative Arts Therapies
When words or exercises are not enough, creativity itself becomes medicine.
Music Therapy The clinical use of music by trained therapists to address physical, emotional, or cognitive needs. For musicians, it can provide both healing and reconnection with artistic identity.
More Information...
Association: https://www.musictherapy.org/ American Music Therapy Association
Practitioner: Nordoff-Robbins founders Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins
Recommended Book: Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks (broader but influential)
Resource: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/music-and-health-what-you-need-to-know
Art Therapy Visual expression used as a therapeutic tool for processing trauma, emotion, and self-discovery.
More Information...
Association: https://arttherapy.org/ American Art Therapy Association
Practitioner: Margaret Naumburg
Recommended Book: The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy A. Malchiodi
Additional Resource: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/art-therapy
Dance and Movement Therapy Therapy through expressive movement that fosters integration between body, mind, and emotion.
More Information...
Association: https://www.adta.org/ American Dance Therapy Association
Practitioners: Founder Marian Chace
Recommended Book: Dance/Movement Therapy: Theory and Practice by Helen Payne
Additional Resource: https://www.psychotherapy.net/learning-centers/approach/dance-movement-therapy
Energy-Based Therapies
These practices focus on subtle energy systems in the body, emphasizing flow, balance, and spiritual wellbeing.
Reiki A Japanese healing art in which practitioners channel energy through light touch or hovering hands to restore balance.
More Information...
Association: https://reiki.org/
International Center for Reiki Training
Practitioner: Founder Mikao Usui
Recommended Book: The Reiki Manual by Penelope Quest and Kathy Roberts
Additional Resource: https://www.thereikischool.com/
Electromagnetic Therapy The use of electromagnetic fields to influence cellular processes and reduce pain.
More Information...
Association: https://pemfprofessionals.com/
PEMF Certification and Training
Founders/History: https://pulsepemf.com/blog/pemf-origins/
Recommended Book: PEMF - The Fifth Element of Health by Bryant A Meyers
Additional Resource: https://www.medcentral.com/pain/chronic/understanding-electromagnetic-treatments
Traditional and Natural Systems of Medicine
These whole-system approaches offer centuries-old frameworks of health that balance lifestyle, diet, and natural remedies.
Ayurveda An Indian medical system based on balancing the three doshas (mind-body constitutions) through diet, lifestyle, herbs, and meditation.
More Information...
Association: https://www.ayurveda-nama.org/
National Ayurvedic Medical Association
Recommended Book: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad
Resource: https://www.ayurveda.com/
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Oriental Medicine) A system that includes acupuncture, herbal remedies, Qigong, and dietary therapies aimed at restoring balance of vital energy.
More Information...
Association: https://www.nccaom.org/
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Pivotal Figure: Zhang Zhongjing
Recommended Book: The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (Huangdi Neijing)
Homeopathy A controversial system of medicine using highly diluted natural substances under the principle of “like cures like," based on the belief that the body can cure itself.
More Information...
Association: https://www.homeopathycenter.org/
National Center for Homeopathy
Founder: Samuel Hahnemann
Recommended Book: Organon of the Healing Art by Hahnemann
Additional Resource: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
Naturopathy A holistic system emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies to stimulate the body’s self-healing capacity.
More Information...
Association: https://naturopathic.org/
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
A Founder: Benedict Lust
Recommended Book: A Textbook of Naturopathic Philosophy and Therapeutics by Hue and McDermott
Additional Resource: https://naturemed.org/
Dietary Supplements, Herbal Medicine, and Nutrition The use of vitamins, herbs, and targeted diets to support recovery and long-term health.
More Information...
Association: https://www.herbalgram.org/
American Botanical Council
Herbalist: Rosemary Gladstar
Recommended Book: The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green
Additional Resource: https://www.herbmed.org/
Aromatherapy The therapeutic use of essential oils from plants to promote relaxation, energy, or emotional healing.
More Information...
Association: https://naha.org/
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
Practitioner: Robert Tisserand
Recommended Book: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
Additional Resource: https://tisserandinstitute.org/
Psychotherapies with a Somatic Focus
These therapies explicitly integrate body awareness into psychological treatment, making them especially effective for trauma and performance-related distress.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy A body-based approach that combines talk therapy with somatic awareness to address trauma held in the nervous system.
More Information...
Association: https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
Founders: Pat Ogden
Recommended Book: Trauma and the Body by Pat Ogden et al.
Additional Resource: https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/resources/
Hakomi Method A mindfulness-centered psychotherapy that emphasizes gentleness, compassion, and self-awareness.
More Information...
Association: https://hakomiinstitute.com/
Hakomi Institute
Founder: Ron Kurtz
Recommended Book: The Body Reveals by Ron Kurtz
Additional Resource: https://www.hakomieducation.net/
Bioenergetic Analysis A body psychotherapy that uses movement, breath, and relational work to release blocked energy and restore vitality.
More Information...
Association: https://www.bioenergetic-therapy.com/index.php/en/International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis
Founder: Alexander Lowen
Recommended Book: Bioenergetics by Alexander Lowen
Additional Resource: https://bioenergetics-nyc.org/resources/
Neurosomatic Therapy An approach that identifies hidden causes of pain and tension in the nervous system and soft tissues, using massage and corrective exercises.
More Information...
Association: https://traumahealing.org/
Practitioner: Peter Levine
Recommended Book: Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine
Additional Resource: https://www.firstsession.com/resources/somatic-therapy-exercises-techniques
Biodynamic Psychotherapy A blend of medical and holistic methods that may include therapeutic massage, focused on balancing emotional and physical health.
More Information...
Association: https://www.biodynamic.org/ Institute of Biodynamic Medicine
Founder: Gerda Boyesen
Recommended Book: Biodynamic Body Psychotherapy: Collective papers from the 2nd Biodynamic Conference London 2014 Paperback by Laura Proffitt, Dr Elya Steinberg, Siegfried Bach, Liz Barker, Sarah Rosella, Ursula Deniflee, Clover Southwell, Gabriele Gad, Carlien van Heel, Yael Shahar
Additional Resource: https://biodynamicpsychotherapymethods.com/
EMDR and Brainspotting Therapies that use guided eye movements or visual focus points to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce distress.
More Information...
Association: https://www.emdria.org/
EMDR International Association
Founder EMDR: Francine Shapiro
Recommended Book: Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro
Additional Resource: https://www.brainspotting.com/
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) A psychological method that reframes thought and language patterns to reshape behavior and beliefs.
More Information...
Association: https://anlp.org/
The Association for Neuro Linguistic Programming
Founders: Richard Bandler and John Grinder
Recommended Book: The Structure of Magic by Bandler & Grinder
Additional Resource: https://nlp-training.org/tools-we-use-in-the-nlp-free-discovery-phase/
A Shared Philosophy
The landscape of complementary and alternative medicine is vast, and no two musicians’ paths are the same. Some find healing in movement practices like Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais or Rolfing technique. Others lean into meditation, acupuncture, or psychotherapy with a somatic lens. What unites these therapies is their shared philosophy: the musician is not just a pair of hands, lungs, or vocal cords, but a whole person whose health depends on the balance of body, mind, and spirit.
If you are curious about any of these therapies, consult licensed professionals trained in these techniques. With the right support, musicians can recover, rebuild, and continue to create art that resonates far beyond the stage.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Introduction to NCCIH Strategic Plan. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/about/strategic-plans/introduction
National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). NIH Almanac. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/national-center-complementary-integrative-health-nccih
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Music and Health: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/music-and-health-what-you-need-to-know
National Institutes of Health. Music as Medicine: The Science and Clinical Practice. NIH Videocast, December 14–15, 2023. https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=52714
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name
Wikipedia. Performing Arts Medicine. Accessed August 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performing_arts_medicine
(c) 2025, Katie A. Berglof
