MUSIC & MEDICINE
Music Therapy:
Music is a universal language. It is a familiar fact that music
influences an individual both on a physical and mental
level undoubtedly. Modern science and medicine are now
rediscovering the healing powers of music and its therapeutic
values. Music Therapy is a scientific method of effective cure for
disease through the power of music. It restores, maintains and
improves emotional, physiological and psychological well-being.
The articulation, pitch, tone and specific arrangement of
'Swaras' (notes) in a particular raga stimulates, alleviates and
cures various ailments inducing electromagnetic changes in the
body.
Music to the rescue!
Did you know that each classical raga has the capability to cure
innumerable diseases? Well, it actually goes way back to the
biblical times where even the old testament mentions music
therapy where King David is said to have cured an illness by
playing on the harp.
Not just that. In 1729, Richard Browne, a physician wrote the
famous text,“Medicina Musica” which describes the use of
music as medicine.
Dr. Burnell, mentioned a manuscript named Raga “Chikistsa”
in the collections of the Saraswati Mahal Library in Tanjore
which deals with the various ragas that can be used for curing
various ailments.
How does it work?
Repeatedly, listening to a particular raga, chosen for a
particular disease, produces a network of vibration. This
vibration concentrates on the muscles, nerves, and chakras of
the affected area. Muscles are contracted when one impulse is
given and relaxed during the interval between two impulses.
Hence, when a tissue contracts, musical notes make the blood
flow out of the area and in the interval there is relaxation and a
state of reduced pressure is produced in these areas. Thus, the
blood from the adjacent area will flow there.
This process is repeated again and again, simultaneously, the
blood flow and the energy flow in that part is enhanced. Due to
this, a faster healing process commences.
Energy from the “Universal Energy Field” to the “Human
Energy Field” are transmitted by the strokes of different tones
of the raga, affects the “Central Nervous System” because of
the roots of the Auditory nerves that are widely distributed and
have more connections than any other nerves in the body.
Music beats and our hearts have a deep staunch relationship.
So, what kind of an effect does music generally have on us? Any
music or rhythm that is as the same number as the heartbeat,
i.e. 72, has a very soothing effect whereas lesser than that
creates a positive suspense in the mind and body and acts as a
relaxation period before it starts anticipating for a much faster
beat which is more like a rejuvenation.
Bidding farewell to Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Disorders–
Kapi Ragam:
Kapi is a 'janyaraga' with a winding scale. It is derived from the
'Kharaharapriya Raga' which is the 22nd 'melakarta raga' in the
72 'melakarta raga' system. Its equivalent raga in Hindustani is
Pilu.
Arohana : S R2M1P N3 S
Avarohana : S N2D2 N2P M1G2 R2 S
Kapi is 'aaudava-Vakrasampoorna' raga with an ascending
5 swaras and a descending scale with 7 swaras but not in
a descending order. Not just that. Since it has swaras
that do not belong to the parent scale, it makes this a
'Bhashanga Ragam'. This raga is known for its ability to
cure depression and anxiety.
The 'swara' structure is such that each tone that is
produced from each 'swara' has a great impact,
taking into consideration the concept that was
discussed earlier. Especially due to the presence
of different 'Nishada swaras', the mood of the
raga and the vibration it creates accelerates
and activates the tissues in the brain and sets
a soothing mood.
The right timing for practicing such music
therapy sessions is essential. Each raga
has a performance time and luckily Kapi
does not have any such restrictions
and can be performed at any time of
the day/ season.
According to a study that was
conducted in 2012, while
listening to Kapi Raga, Sleep
disorder patients and those
suffering from depression
have increased alertness
and decreased feelings of
anguish. The findings of
this study suggest that
Kapi Raga can be used
as a rehabilitative
tool for curing these
ailments.
In the subsequent
editions, we’ll
look into other
ragas and its
medicinal
values.
Author- Raghavi Upendiran. She is the Chief Instructor for Carnatic Vocals at Sahanas - Live the Dream. Raghavi started her music training at a very young age
from renowned musicians like P.S. Thyagarajar, Smt. Gayathri Mahesh and Smt. Padma Sandilyan,Pandit Shri Kuldeep Sagar and Pandit Sri Ramamoorthy Rao.
She was recognized for her music therapy skills by MSSW and received an award for the same in 2012. For more details visit www.sahanas.com.
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