The effect of Indian Music.

A raga a day keeps the doctor away.

Once upon a time, in a land far far away called Italy, there lived a king. His name was Mussolini. He was suffering from insomnia and had trouble sleeping at night. The best doctors in the world could not heal him. Medicines worked for a day or two but none of them could cure his condition. Then came a sage form India. His name was Pundit Omkarnath and he was not even a doctor. People laughed at his abilities to heal the king. Pundit Omkarnath was a musician and he practiced Hindustani music. He came to the court the court of King Mussolini and started singing some very old 'ragas'. People were mesmerized by the music. They had never heard anything so enchanting. From that day onwards, Mussolini slept happily every night. Everyone lived happily ever after... Well, this is a true story demonstrating the healing power of ragas! Raga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'ranja' meaning 'color of mind'. Ragas are composed of 'shabdas'. A Shabda, contrary to what many believe, is different from words. Shabda is defined as the cosmic flow of sound. According to this definition, silence is also a shabda. The ancient sages of India had discovered an essential cosmic shabda - 'Om'. The seven suras of Indian music - Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni are all derived from cosmic word 'om'. Ragas are essentially composed of these seven suras and are not songs, but framework upon which melodies can be composed or improvised. Indian music composers were once known for their ability to improvise upon the best and the most difficult of ragas. This is exactly the reason why the old classics of Rafi saab and Kishore da never seem to date, whereas modern music has a much shorter life span. Yesterday it was Munni badnam and today it is Shiela jawaan! Each of the 7 suras have one to one correspondence with the 7 chakras of the human body. Ragas evoke these chakras by increasing the blood flow to and from the region. Different ragas evoke these chakras in different proportions, thereby being able to heal different diseases. In terms of acoustics (the study of sound), most ragas have 70-75 beats per minute. This is exactly because the heart beats at this rate. A raga with a standard beat has the ability to normalize the human body. A raga with higher beat energizes a person whereas a raga with lower beat is relaxing in nature. Ragas can aid insomnia, migraine, hypertension, anxiety and nausea. They can also correct blood pressure related problems. Raga Darbari and Asawari can reduce tension. Asawari also cleanses blood. Raga Bhupali, Todi and Ahir Bhairawi can help reduce high blood pressure. Raga Bhairavi can heal respiratory problems caused by asthma, tuberculosis, chronic cold, cough and sinus. Raga Malhar cools anger and stabilizes the mind. Raga Hindola sharpens memory. Raga Malkaun and Asawari helps in low blood pressure. Raga Chandrakaun can cure heart ailments. As of this day, there are many musicians who practice the art of music therapy. These pied pipers believe in the self healing nature of human body. Let's not forget these wonderful practices of our country! Note - Click hereto watch a video of me presenting a seminar on the same topic.

Who does not like the melody of music? Whose emotions do not vibrate and flow with the sonorous tunes and rhythm of music? Indeed, we all experience the enchanting effects of good music in some form or the other. The classical compositions (ragas) of music create deep impact on our mind and emotions. The melody of vocal and instrumental music soothes our mind and heart. Not only that, the sonic vibrations of its specific compositions also heal psychological disorders. Moreover, depending upon its nature, music can awaken or intensify specific kinds of emotional streams and mental tendencies and thus influence the habits and nature of the engrossed singers/players and audiences. 
The immense potential of the power of Shabda (cosmic flow of sound) hidden in music was well recognised by the ancient Indian sages and they had devised several musical patterns emanating from the "Omkara" for chanting of the Vedic hymns and for distinct spiritual effects. 
The Shastric schools of music discovered musical octave (sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni, sa) indwelling in the subtle sounds of Nature and invented the basic classical ragas for activating specific streams of natural powers and effects; a wide variety of musical compositions were generated consequently. Ever since then music has been an integral part of human culture with varied applications and forms. Despite its degeneration into the noisy and destructive kinds of so-called modern music, the creative and soothing role of music has not lost its prominence. The last few decades have seen revival of classical Indian and western music in a big way through increasing interest of researchers in music therapy. Rhetorically commenting on the ecstatic impact of soothing music, Carlyle had once said "God walks behind good music". So, how could there be any disease or suffering where God is? There will only be an unflinching flow of bliss all over. His feelings seem to be true if we look at the marvellous effects of sonorous, calming musical compositions on the soft cores of emotions and subtle layers of the mind and also on physiological processes, as observed by some music therapists in the modern laboratories. In this respect, the effects of music can be likened to that of yoga. 
According to the Vedic Philosophy, yoga and music both are part of Nada Vidya. Yoga deals with realisation of anahata nada the sublime sound (extrasensory vibrations) of the eternal force of cosmic consciousness. Music pertains to the perception and expression of the infinite spectrum of the rhythmic flow of the ahata nada (perceivable sonic currents) pervading in Nature. Both have direct impact on the shat chakras hidden along the endocrine column and hence affect our physical as well as subtle bodies. The seven basic swaras (musical notes) of the musical octave have a one-to-one correspondence with these chakras (nuclei of subtle energy). 
The lower most (in the kava equina region along the erect endocrine column), viz., the Muladhara Chakra is associated with the swara "sa"; that means, the practice of chanting this particular musical note will have impact on awakening or activation of this particular chakra. Similarly, the chakras successively upwards in this direction namely, the Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Agya and the top-most Sahastrara Chakra have correspondence respectively with the swaras "re", "ga" "ma", "pa", "dha" and "ni". Significantly, the order of the compositions of these swaras in the "aroha" (ascending) and "avaroha" (descending) patterns of the Shastric musical tunes also match with the top-down (from Sahastrara to Muladhara) and bottom-up (from Muladhara to Sahastrara) directions of the flow of energy. Some of the sounds naturally produced inside the human body are easily perceivable if one sits quietly at a calm place. Usually these are felt in the heart (beat), throat and head (cerebral region). In the state of deep meditation, while concentrating on the internal sounds of the body, one can distinctly feel these and several otherwise non-audible sounds; their rhythmic compositions are also said to be in tune with the musical octave. The subtler sounds of the heart are said to be musical expressions of the emotions. Also, it is said that humans feel, recognise, create and express music only because of the emotional sensitivity of the human heart. Moreover, music also happens to be the best means for expressing the inner feelings. 
This is why good music is often described as the voice of the heart. The original ragas of the Indian classical music (Shastric Music) are created according to the deep knowledge of harmonious consonance between the seven swaras and chakras. This is why shastric musical compositions are found to have significant positive effect on the mind-body system and also have the potential to awaken the otherwise dormant faculties. 
There are several historical examples of the immense remedial power of the shastric ragas. For instance, in 1933, when the Italian dictator Mussolini was terribly suffering from insomnia, no medicine or therapeutic mode could help him get sleep. Pt. Omkarnath Thakur, a great shastric musician was visiting Europe around that time. When he heard of Mussolinis affliction, he agreed to perform remedial musical programme to allay the latters sufferings. His performance of the raga puriya indeed worked magically and Mussolini went into deep sleep within half-an-hour. This and similar incidents attracted the attention of many contemporary musicians, scientists and physicians and triggered research in music therapy. 
A group of London based physicians has scientifically experimented on different aspects of music therapy. In their views, the shastric ragas could induce healing of all kinds of ailments. They argue that the immediate benefits these ragas offer is mental peace by alleviating tensions and providing an enchanting and creative diversion to the mind. Interpretation of the Vedic scriptures on Nada Vidya implies that Shastric Music helps synergetic augmentation of the panch pranas (the five major streams of vital energy in a human being). In concordance, research in energy medicine (pranic healing) and classical music shows that specific shastric ragas enhance the level of vital energy. 
It is the deficiencies and disorders in the vital energy distribution in the mind body system, which is the root cause of its ailing state. The smooth and increased flow of vital energy rejuvenates the mind and empowers the immune system as well as the auto-regulatory healing mechanism of the body. This is how classical music generates new hope, joy and enthusiasm in the otherwise dull or depressed mind and removes the disorders and relieves one of the untoward pressures and excitements of inferiority, despair, fear, anger, etc. 
Because of its fast remedial effects, which lead to eventual cure of the psychosomatic disorders, music therapy based on classical ragas is being used or advised these days for the treatment of insomnia, migraine, hypertension, chronic headache, anxiety, etc. and empowers the immune system as well as the auto-regulatory healing mechanism of the body. This is how classical music generates new hope, joy and enthusiasm in the otherwise dull or depressed mind and removes the disorders and relieves one of the untoward pressures and excitements of inferiority, despair, fear, anger, etc. Because of its fast remedial effects, which lead to eventual cure of the psychosomatic disorders, music therapy based on classical ragas is being used or advised these days for the treatment of insomnia, migraine, hypertension, chronic headache, anxiety, etc. 
Because of its impact on the chakras (and hence on the pranas), shastric music not only vibrates and soothes the mental strings, but also energises and balances the organs of the body. According to Dr. W. H. J. Wales, the Indian classical music can cure the problems of the digestive system, liver including the diseases like jaundice. Dr. Jane remarks that this music rhythmically vibrates the tissue-membranes of the ear and, relaxes the nerves and muscles beneath the temple and in the brain; as a result of which the sensory and motor systems are energised and activated. 
The empirical studies on therapeutic evaluation of the classical ragas have shown interesting results. Singing or engrossed listening of Raga Bhairavi has been found to uproot the diseases of kapha dosha e.g. asthma, chronic cold, cough, tuberculosis, some of the sinus and chest related problems etc. Raga Asavari is effective in eliminating the impurities of blood and related diseases. Raga Malhar pacifies anger, excessive mental excitements and mental instability. Raga Saurat and raga Jaijaivanti have also been found effective in curing mental disorders and calming the mind. Raga Hindola helps sharpening the memory and focussing mental concentration. It has been proved effective in curing liver ailments. Apart from the classical ragas played on musical instruments, the rhythmic sounds of temple bells and shankha (conch shell or bugle) produced during devotional practices have also been found to have therapeutic applications. 
A research study in Berlin University showed that the vibrations of the bugle sound could destroy bacteria and germs in the surroundings. More specifically, it was found that if the shankha is played by infusing (through the mouth) twenty-seven cubic feet of air per second, within a few minutes it will kill the bacteria in the surrounding area of twenty-two hundred square feet and inactivate those in about four-hundred square feet area further beyond. Dr. D. Brine of Chicago had treated hundreds of cases of hearing impairments/ deficiencies by making the patients play or listen to the sounds of shankha played rhythmically at appropriate (as per the case) pitch and intensity. Several research experiments on music therapy in general and on the sounds of temple-bells and bugles are going on in the Moscow Sanatorium and some research centres in Germany, Holland and Australia. 
The results are very positive and encouraging towards developing suitable courses on music therapy that could be an integral part of medical practices. 
The need and importance is especially felt and emphasized for healing of psychosomatic disorders. 
According to Dr. Hacken, although western classical music is also being used in some studies, its applications are limited to certain kinds of diseases/disorders and are also of much lesser significance in terms of the intensity and impact of positive effects as compared to the Indian classical music. Rock, pop, jaz, rap and disco types of western music have become quite popular in the modern times especially among the teenagers and youth. But these and other varieties of fast and high-beat music are found to have detrimental effects on health in general. 
Dr. Balaji, who has been a part of music therapy research teams in Sweden and Germany, has shown that although, listening to such a music for five-ten minutes removes lethargy and instantly generates new alacrity, listening to it for longer periods and frequently has damaging effects on the ear drums and the spinal column. The smooth and balanced flow of several important physiological fluids also gets disturbed and leads to different kinds of physical ailments. Further, as this kind of music induces sexual and other kinds of negative and unnatural excitements, its harms on mental health are far more serious; apart from its debauching effects on spiritual well being. As mentioned earlier, the scope and utility of music therapy should be viewed, considering its intimate and delicate connection with the inner emotions. These and the core of consciousness force in the inner mind are most sensitive to the musical currents and corresponding vibrations in the sublime expansion of cosmic sound. The next is the nervous system and brain functions. 
The corresponding effects on the organs and the physiological system of the body as a whole are obvious consequences. From its very origin, the Indian classical music is most suitable and beneficial in this respect and also for spiritual elevation because of the soothing and harmonising impact of the shastric ragas on the sat chakras and the pranas. The findings of research laboratories on immense potential of the shastric ragas in music therapy scientifically support these theories. 
The results and well-tested applications should be propagated by the researchers for the benefit of large number of patients suffering from varieties of psychosomatic disorders these days. Deeper research on the spiritual aspects of the Indian classical music and compositions of the shastric ragas might also give some clues about the lost links of the knowledge of the Vedic Science of mantras. This might also open new avenues of reviving the applications of mantra-therapy, as elaborated in the Scriptures.

courtesy-Internet. 

Therapeutic Evaluation of the Classical Ragas

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Therapeutic Evaluation of the Classical Ragas

Singing or engrossed listening of Raga Bhairavi has been found to uproot the diseases of kapha dosha e.g. asthma, chronic cold, cough, tuberculosis, some of the sinus and chest related problems etc. Raga Asavari is effective in
eliminating the impurities of blood and related diseases. Raga Malhar pacifies anger, excessive mental excitements and mental instability. Raga Saurat and raga Jaijaivanti have also been found effective in curing mental disorders and calming the mind. Raga Hindola helps sharpening the memory and focussing mental concentration. It has been proved effective in curing liver ailments.

Apart from the classical ragas played on musical instruments, the rhythmic sounds of temple bells and shankha (conch shell or bugle) produced during devotional practices have also been found to have therapeutic applications.

A research study in Berlin University showed that the vibrations of the bugle sound could destroy bacteria and germs in the surroundings. More specifically, it was found that if the shankha is played by infusing (through the mouth) twenty-seven cubic feet of air per second, within a few minutes it will kill the bacteria in the surrounding area of twenty-two hundred square feet and inactivate those in about four-hundred square feet area further beyond.

Dr. D. Brine of Chicago had treated hundreds of cases of hearing impairments/ deficiencies by making the patients play or listen to the sounds of shankha played rhythmically at appropriate (as per the case) pitch and intensity.

MUSIC THERAPY – ” For – Brain, Body & Soul “

The entire concept of Music Therapy is experimental.  For me it is a kind of YOGA,which acts upon the human organism and awakens and develops their proper functions to extent of self-realisation.

Music therapy is a scientific method of effective cures of 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 electro magnetic change in the body.

 Music is basically a sound or nada generating particular vibrations which moves through the medium of ether present in the atmosphere and affects the human body. Music beats have a very close relationship with heart beats. Music having 70-75 beats per minute equivalent to the normal heart beat of 72 has a very soothing effect. Likewise rhythms which are slower than 72 beats per minute create a positive suspense on the mind and body. Rhythms which are faster than the heart rate excite and rejuvenate the body.

History Says:

The history of Carnatic music says that the system of Mayamalava Gowlai was introduced by the blessed musician, Purandaradasar. This raga has the potency to neutralise the toxins in our body. Practising this raga in the early hours of the morning, in the midst of nature, will enhance the strength of the vocal chords.

In India, saint musician Thyagaraja is said to have brought a dead person back to life with Bilahari raaga, and Muthuswamy Dikshitar cured stomach aches with his Navagraha Kritis. In our own times Pt Omkarnath Thakur is said to have cured Mussolini of his insomnia with a song.

Kollegal.R.Subramaniam , a great musician wrote , “According to the Sangita Sastra, the 72 Melakarta Ragas control the 72 important nerves. If one sings with devotion adhering to lakshana and sruti sudhi, the Raga Devatas shower blessings, injecting the particular nerve in the human body which shall give needed relief in due course”. By singing the 72 Melakarta ragas, stomach operation can be avoided and ailment cured.

Research

Research  has shown us that music does have  healing effects .They stimulate the brain, ease tension and remove fatigue. The effect of Music Therapy may be immediate or slow, depending upon number of factors like the subject, his mental condition , environment and the type of Music, selected for having the desired effect. Music Therapy largely depends on individual needs and taste.  Before using music as Therapy it must be ascertained which type of music is to be used. The concept of Music Therapy is dependent on correct intonation and right use of the basic elements of music. Such as notes [swara] rhytym, volume ,beats, and piece of melody. There are countless ‘Ragas’ of course with countless characteristic peculiarities of their own. . That is why we can not establish a particular Rag for a particular disease . Different types of Ragas are applied in each different case .

What is the effect of music on Brain waves?

Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and a slower tempo promoting a calm and meditative state.The changes in the brain waves brings about changes in other bodily functions as well. Breathing and heart rate can be altered by music. That may be one of the reasons why listening to music promotes relaxation and prevents the effects of chronic stress.

The photo shown below was taken on 25th Aug.2005. The  quartet of one- and two-day-old babies listen to classical music as part of an experimental program. Doctors at Kosice-Saca Hospital, the first private hospital in Slovakia, believe that music therapy helps newborns reduce stress and stay healthy. Shortly after birth, infants receive five 20-minute music sessions each day. Doctors found that while the tikes are tuned in, most of them fall asleep or lie quietly.

Effect of Music Therapy on Cancer Patients

It is  my deep ambition to develop music for use in  the Pain and Palliative Wards  to get  relief from PAIN . Experts say ” music reduces pain”, and  this is  a proven statement as Music  cause the body to release endorphins (hormones that counteract pain).

A Music Therapy program has the potential to improve a cancer patient’s physical and emotional well-being by providing a distraction during treatment, thus decreasing stress, pain, and anxiety levels. Eighty percent (80%) of cancer patients will sense their stress, pain, and anxiety levels decreased because they participated in Music Therapy.

Learning Music at a young age

Music is basically a sound or nada generating particular vibrations which moves through the medium of ether present in the atmosphere and affects the human system. So music is a power or universal energy in the form of ragas. Enhanced vibration of seven major chakras keeps the mind and body in good health. It increases concentration, memory, makes the mind disciplined and spiritual. Music can be a cure if the singer/listener choses the raga based on which chakras he wants to concentrate on. Hence while singing/listening, based on the dominant swaras in that raga, the corresponding chakras vibrate more. The singer/listener should concentrate on the chakra while singing/listening. Teaching music at the tender age has several advantages. The child is born with all the chakras. But it is the Mooladhara chakra, which starts functioning even at birth. As the child grows, the other 6 chakras start functioning one by one from Mooladhara to Sahasrara chakra and by 21 years, the development process is complete. So teaching music at a young age purifies the body, mind and soul and lays the foundation for a healthy future. Academic brilliance and morality are automatically inculcated in such children. To make our children lead a healthy life, teach them music at a tender age and make it part of curriculum. Music is also one form of meditation, which enhances the power of chakras by raising Kundalini shakthi.

Symphonies of raga have a definite soothing effect on the mind as well as on the body. Repeated listening to the particular raga being chosen for a particular disease produces a network of sound vibration. Energy from URF (universal energy field) to HEF(human energy field) transmitted by the strokes of the different tones of raga affects the CNS (Central nervous system) because the roots of the auditory nerves are more widely distributed and have more connections than any other nerves in the body.

Sapthaswaras and Saptha Chakras

The ascending and descending order in which the swaras is sung is called arohanam and avarohanam. “Sa” shadjam is the basic note of all ragas. It is not only the inter relationship between the notes that define a raga  but also the relationship of these notes to the basic note (aadhara shadjam).  A noteworthy feature is, even though the raga is built on the basis of a sequence of swaras, the drone of the tambura will be spelling out the aadhara shadja all the time, loud and clear so that the reliance is constantly maintained. So there cannot be a raga without the aadhara shadja. So this shadjam increases the vibration of the mooladhara chakra which is for survival. Kundalini shakthi – shakhti in coiled form exists at the tip of the backbone. Increased vibrations of Mooladhara chakra by repeating Shadjam raises kundalini shakthi. Once Kundalini shakthi is awakened, the energy starts moving through shushumna nadi (spinal cord) towards the sahasrara chakra where Lord Shiva resides.  For smooth passage of the shakthi, each note is sung in ascending order (as in arohanam). Then ‘Sa’ raises kundalini shakthi at mooladara chakra , Ri – back swadhishtana chakra , Ga – back manipura chakra, Ma- back anahatha chakra, Pa – back vishudhi chakra, Dha – back ajna chakra,  Ni – sahasrara chakra, Sa – cosmos.  Now Avarohanam, notes sung in descending order connects cosmos and reinforces lord shiva’s shakthi at the sahasrara chakra and the combined shiva shakti circulates through front chakras increases the divine power in corresponding chakras ie..Sa- Cosmos, Ni – sahasrara chakra, Dha- Ajna chakra, Pa – Vishudhi chakra, Ma-Anahatha chakra, Ga- manipura chakra, Ri –swadhishtana chakra, Sa – Mooladhara chakra and Ni- Mother earth. This swara garland by singing makes the body receive the energy from mother earth (ni lower octave) and Cosmos,( sa at upper octave). While sitting on the ground, energy from the mother earth reaches the mooladhara chakra increasing its vibration, which is solely for the survival.

Within the set of swaras, some play a major role and some less. There are some swaras which dominate and stay persistently -nyasa swaras. There are some ragas which have a special impact if they are initiated at a certain specific swaras. For instanse, a raga like Atana generally commences at the higher octave with the combination of the swaras – sa ri sa ni sa dha dha; or raga like anandhabhairaviin the middle octave with the swaras pa dha pa ma dha pa ma pa ma ga ri ga. or ritigowla with ni dha ma ga ri ga. Jiva swaras which lends life should be highlighted. They are the dhivata in Atana, antara gandhara in kalyani, madhyama and gandhara in hindola.

#1-How Music Helps ?

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on body and mind

Brain waves: Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and a slower tempo promoting a calm and meditative state.

Breathing and heart rate: The changes in the brain waves brings about changes in other bodily functions as well. Breathing and heart rate can be altered by music. That may be one of the reasons why listening to music promotes relaxation and prevents the effects of chronic stress.

State of mind: Music is very much useful in warding off depression and anxiety. Thus, music promotes emotional well being and in maintaining positive mental health.

Is there any particular raga which has brought down the illness of a particular patient to a remarkable level? The answer is YES.

Hypertension
Yes. Anandabhairavi raga is said to be proved to bring down the BP level.

The real life demonstration was done by the Late Great Violin Mastreo Sri. Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. He was once preparing to show the remedial power of Ananda Bhairavi. The great poet Kannadasan had challenged in public to test his blood pressure after hearing Ananda Bhairavi from the great musician’s violin. But Kannadasan who promised to preside over a function became ill with hypertension. Cajoled by the organisers he reluctantly came  to the function and  requested Sri. Kunnakudi Vaidynathan to render any raga, which could soothe him. The great musician played Ananda Bhairavi elaborately. At the close of the concert, Kannadasan came up to the dais and announced that he was feeling much better. Ananda Bhairavi has such soothing effect.

Mental Illness

 The power of Sankarabaranam is incredible. It cures mental illness, soothes the turbulent mind and restores peace and harmony. Sankarabaranam, if rendered with total devotion for a stipulated period, can cure mental disorders said to be beyond the scope of medical treatment. Similarly DarbariKanada and Mohanam also helps to soothe turbulent mind and migraine headaches.

Diabetes

Activation Of The Manipooraka Chakra To Stimulate Secretion Of Insulin Raga Bageshree, Chandrakauns.

There is a growing awareness that ragas could be a safe alternative for many medical interventions. Music improves the immunity of the body. It has been observed that medical treatment with Music Therapy has reduced the intake of antibiotics and pain killers over a period of time.  Simple iterative musical rhythms with low pitched swaras, as in bhajans and kirtans are the time-tested sedatives.

Music will help improving human SOUL for collaborative learning for total life. SOUL will be grown by See, Observe, Understand, and Learn from human nature including sound with sense. It is necessary that a group of exponents in Indian ragas join experts in medical field to help evolving a scientific system of raga therapy for the most common illness of the modern times: Stress and Stress-Related Disorders and Cancer.

Courtesy-Internet.

Healing through the Ragas.

Raga Chikitsa-

Simply defined, Raga Chikitsa means “healing through the use of raga.” Raga Chikitsa is defined as “the knowledge of how to use raga for the purposes of healing. Fundamental features of Raga Chikitsa is the classification of the ragas based on their elemental composition (ether, air, fire, water, earth) and the proper use of the elements to balance the nature of the imbalance.

Ragas are closely related to different parts of the day acording to changes in nature and development of a particular emotion, mood or sentiment in the human mind. Music is considered the best tranqulliser in modern days of anxiety, tension and high blood pressure.

It is believed that the human body is dominated by the three Doshas – Kaph, Pitta and Vata. These elements work in a cyclic order of rise and fall during the 24 hour period. Also, the reaction of these three elements differ with the seasons. Hence it is said that performing or listening to a raga at the proper allotted time can affect the health of human beings.

Raga and its Effects

Kafi Raga  – Evokes a humid, cool, soothing and deep mood

Raga Pooriya Dhansari (Hamsanandi-Kamavardini ) –  evokes sweet, deep, heavy, cloudy and stable state of mind and prevents acidity..

 Raga Mishra Mand – has a very pleasing refreshing light and sweet touch

 Raga Bageshri  – arouses a feeling of darkness, stability, depths and calmness. This raga is also used in treatment of diabetes and hypertension

Raga Darbari (Darbari Kanada) –  is considered very effective in easing tension. It is a late night raga composed by Tansen for Akbar to relieve his tension after hectic schedule of the daily court life.

Raga Bhupali and Todi –  give treamendous relief to patients of high blood pressure.

Raga Ahir-Bhairav (Chakravakam) –  is supposed to sustain chords which automatically brings down blood pressure. 

Raga Malkauns and Raga Asawari (natabhairavi) –  helps to cure low blood pressure.

  Raga Tilak-Kamod (Nalinakanti), Hansdhwani, Kalavati, Durga(Suddha Saveri) -evoke a very pleasing effect on the nerves.

Raga Bihag, Bahar (Kanada), Kafi & Khamaj - For patients suffering from insomnia and need a peaceful sonorous sleep. Useful in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Raga Bhairavi –  Provides relief  T.B, Cancer, Severe Cold, Phlegm,  Sinus, toothache .

Raga Malhar – Useful in the treatment of asthma and sunstroke.

Raga Todi, Poorvi & Jayjaywanti  – Provides relief from cold and headache.

Raga Hindol & Marava  – These ragas are useful in blood purification.

Raga Shivaranjani –  Useful for memory problems.

Raga Kharahara Priya - strengthens the mind and relieves tension. Curative for heart disease and nervous irritablility, neurosis, worry and distress.

Raga Hindolam and Vasantha  - gives relief from Vatha Roga, B.P, Gastritis and purifies blood.

Raga Saranga  – cures Pitha Roga.

Raga Natabhairavi – cures headache and psychological disorders.

Raga Punnagavarali , Sahana  – Controls Anger and brings  down violence

Raga Dwijavanthi – Quells paralysis and sicorders of the mind

Raga Ganamurte – Helpful in diabetes

Raga Kapi – Sick patients get ove their depression, anxiety. Reduces absent mindedness

Raga Ranjani – helps to cure  kidney disorders

Raga Rathipathipriya – Adds strengh and vigor to  a happy wedded life. This 5-swara raga has the power to eliminate poverty. The prayoga of the swaras can wipe off the vibrations of bitter feelings emitted by ill will.

Raga Shanmukhapriya –  Instills courage in one’s mind and replenishes the energy in the body. ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page). Suitable for singing and listening at all times as per Sangitha Sampradaya Pradarshini written by Subbarama Deekshithar

Raga Sindhubhairavi – For a Healthy Mind and Body, Love & Happiness, Gentleness, Peace & Tranquillity ,Serenity ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)Suitable for singing and listening at late night (1 am – 4 am)

 Raga Hameerkalyani – This particular Hindusthani coloured raaga, one with great therapeutic value relaxes tension with its calming effect and brings down BP to normal 120/80. ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)

Raga Brindavana Saranga – For Wisdom, Success, Knowledge , Joyfulness  and Greater Energy ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)

Raga Mohana –  Useful for the treatment of migraine headache. ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page) Suitable for singing and listening at evening (7 pm- 10 pm)

Ragas Charukesi, Kalyani (all time raga),Sankarabharanam(evening raga) and Chandrakauns  is considered very helpful for heart aliments .(Raga Charukesi – Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page . Suitable for singing and listening at all times as per Sangitha Sampradaya Pradarshini written by Subbarama Deekshithar

Raga Ananda Bhairavi- Supresses stomach pain in both men and women. Reduces kidney type problems. Controls blood pressure ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)

Raga Amrutavarshini – Ushana vyathi nasini ( alleviates diseases related to heat) ( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)

Raga Reethigowla- A raga that bestows direction when one seeks it.( Available for download in Carnatic Raga Appreciation Page)

Raga Madhyamavati – Clears paralysis, giddiness, pain in legs/hands, etc. and nervous complaints.

The power of  musical vibrations connects in some manner all things and all beings and all beings in the universe on all plants of existence.  The human body has 72,000 astral nerves (Nadis) which incessantly vibrate in a specific rhythmic pattern. Disturbance in their rhythmic vibration is the root cause of disease. The musical notes restore their normal rhythm, there by bringing about good health.

Courtesy-Internet.

Music for better Health.

Heart disease.
According to a 2009 Cochrane review some music may reduce heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure in those with coronary heart disease. Music does not appear to have much effect on psychological distress. "The quality of the evidence is not strong and the clinical significance unclear".

Neurological disorders.
The use of music therapy in treating mental and neurological disorders is on the rise. Music therapy has showed effectiveness in treating symptoms of many disorders, including schizophrenia, amnesia, dementia and Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's disease, mood disorders such as depression, aphasia and similar speech disorders, and Tourette’s syndrome, among others.
While music therapy has been used for many years, up until the mid-1980s little empirical research had been done to support the efficacy of the treatment. Since then, more research has focused on determining both the effectiveness and the underlying physiological mechanisms leading to symptom improvement. For example, one meta-study covering 177 patients (over 9 studies) showed a significant effect on many negative symptoms of psychopathologies, particularly in developmental and behavioral disorders. Music therapy was especially effective in improving focus and attention, and in decreasing negative symptoms like anxiety and isolation.
The following sections will discuss the uses and effectiveness of music therapy in the treatment of specific pathologies.

Stroke.
Music has been shown to affect portions of the brain. One reason for the effectiveness of music therapy for stroke victims is the capacity of music to affect emotions and social interactions. Research by Nayak et al. showed that music therapy is associated with a decrease in depression, improved mood, and a reduction in state anxiety. Both descriptive and experimental studies have documented effects of music on quality of life, involvement with the environment, expression of feelings, awareness and responsiveness, positive associations, and socialization. Additionally, Nayak et al. found that music therapy had a positive effect on social and behavioral outcomes and showed some encouraging trends with respect to mood

Dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are among the disorders most commonly treated with music therapy. Like many of the other disorders mentioned, some of the most common significant effects are seen in social behaviors, leading to improvements in interaction, conversation, and other such skills. A meta-study of over 330 subjects showed music therapy produces highly significant improvements to social behaviors, overt behaviors like wandering and restlessness, reductions in agitated behaviors, and improvements to cognitive defects, measured with reality orientation and face recognition tests

Schizophrenia.
Music therapy is used with schizophrenic patients to ameliorate many of the symptoms of the disorder. Individual studies of patients undergoing music therapy showed diminished negative symptoms such as flattened affect, speech issues, and anhedonia and improved social symptoms such as increased conversation ability, reduced social isolation, and increased interest in external events

Depression.
Music therapy has been found to have numerous significant outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder. One study found that listening to soft, sedative music for only 30 minutes a day for two weeks led to significantly improved global depressive scores, and improved scores on individual depressive sub-scales. Like many of the other studies mentioned, the effects were seen to be cumulative over the time period studied – that is, longer treatment led to increased improvement

India.
The roots of musical therapy in India, can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology, Vedic texts, and local folk traditions. It is very possible that Music therapy has been used for hundreds of years in the Indian culture.
Suvarna Nalapat has studied music therapy in the Indian context. Her books Nadalayasindhu-Ragachikilsamrutam (2008), Music Therapy in Management Education and Administration (2008) and Ragachikitsa (2008) are accepted textbooks on music therapy and Indian arts.
The "Music Therapy Trust of India" is yet another venture in the country. It was started by Margaret Lobo

Courtesy-Internet.

Music as a medicine.

Music has been used as a healing force for centuries. Apollo is the ancient Greek god of music and of medicine. Aesculapius was said to cure diseases of the mind by using song and music, and music therapy was used in Egyptian temples. Plato said that music affected the emotions and could influence the character of an individual. Aristotle taught that music affects the soul and described music as a force that purified the emotions. Aulus Cornelius Celsus advocated the sound of cymbals and running water for the treatment of mental disorders. Music therapy was practiced in biblical times, when David played the harp to rid King Saul of a bad spirit. As early as 400 B.C., Hippocrates played music for mental patients. In the thirteenth century, Arab hospitals contained music-rooms for the benefit of the patients. In the United States, Native American medicine men often employed chants and dances as a method of healing patients. The Turco-Persian psychologist and music theorist al-Farabi (872–950), known as Alpharabius in Europe, dealt with music therapy in his treatise Meanings of the Intellect, in which he discussed the therapeutic effects of music on the soul. Robert Burton wrote in the 17th century in his classic work, The Anatomy of Melancholy, that music and dance were critical in treating mental illness, especially melancholia. Music therapy as we know it began in the aftermath of World Wars I and II, when, particularly in the United Kingdom, musicians would travel to hospitals and play music for soldiers suffering from war-related emotional and physical trauma.

Courtesy-Internet.

Concert Photos 17th Aug. 2014

Vocal performance on 17 the Aug.2014.

Vocal  Recital -Vedang Dharashive
Srawan Celebration.
On 17.8. 2014 
Venue-Kashi Vishveswar temple
Latur.Time- 2pm.Entry free.

Vocal Recital on 17.8.2014.

Vocal  Recital -Vedang Dharashive
Srawan Celebration.
On 17.8. 2014  

Venue-Kashi Vishveswar temple
Latur.Time- 2pm.Entry free.