FAUNASONICS: Music Therapy to address symptoms of PEM (ME/CFS)

DESCRIPTION

This practice-research draws on a longitudinal self-study conducted by a trained Indian classical vocalist (26 years in Carnatic Music) with ADHD, presenting symptoms of Post Exertional Malaise (PEM), consistent with ME/CFS. Over an 8-month period, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data was collected to document how cognitive tasks and emotional stressors drain resources causing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and crashes. While there exists research on Music Therapy and its application in reduction of pain, studies involving PEM are scarce. This presentation/paper explores vocal resonance techniques used by the researcher to reduce strain and regulate Autonomic Nervous System.

People with ADHD are more prone to PEM, due to difficulty in regulating energy expenditure. PEM literature has historically focused more on physical exertion, ignoring cognitive and emotional triggers. During these 8 months, the researcher experienced 3 PEM crashes, each presenting a varied constellation of symptoms. While two crashes were kept as control, to address one crash, the researcher visited an animal farm, engaged in animal therapy, and impromptu compositions of Indian semi-classical songs. Calling it Faunasonics, therapeutic music borne from interaction with animals, the researcher experienced a parasympathetic response, thus reducing her autonomic hypervigilance and inflammatory response. This study will further help understand the somatic therapeutic importance of Faunasonics in treating PEM.

Please Note: This study does not utilize any mindfulness or meditation techniques as the researcher is recovering from PTSD caused by religious trauma.

This study also aims to address Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), criticizing its pathologization of desire and limitations of its clinical applications by introducing symptoms of PEM as limiting factors, contributing to reduced arousal, interest and desire. The need for extensive rest and the inability to predict “crash” days can cause strain in relationships, further exacerbating the psychological factors, which can be misdiagnosed as FSIAD.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. At the end of the session, attendees will be able to critically analyze to evaluate the methodology, design and findings of the study to determine its validity.
2. At the end of the session, attendees will be able to contextualize the session to broader implications, such as clinical practice, diagnostic tools, or potential therapeutic interventions.

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Access Key
Standard Access: Full course access with AASECT Continuing Education credits. Ideal for licensed clinicians and certified professionals fulfilling CE requirements (First-come, first-served).
Collective Access: Full course access with AASECT Continuing Education credits, offered at a lower price point to support decolonial participation across professional communities (First-come, first-served).
Community Access: Full course access without AASECT CE credits, designed for BIPOC, queer, kink+, and sex-positive community members engaging outside of a clinical or certification context.
Open Access: Registration open to all, including international students. No AASECT CE credits issued. Suitable for anyone curious about the subject matter regardless of professional background.

OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCE

Rao, N. (2026, March 26). Faunasonics: Music Therapy to address symptoms of PEM (ME/CFS). N. Rao Publications. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19243686
Resource type: Lesson
Publisher: N. Rao Publications
Hosting institution: Institute for Intersectional Relational Studies
Copyright: Copyright © 2026 N. Rao Publications

EDUCATOR BIO