" Music therapy ,stress management by listening to music "
"The ultimate language of music is
related to a world of beauty and harmony, of structure and order of which our
patients are deprived because of their illness. Music expresses man’s deepest
emotions. It can serve him in health and illness, in happiness and in sorrow.
Music therapy is one of the noblest functions of music.”– Alvin
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Saraswati with Veena |
with suggestions what you can listen -Instrumental/vocal based on Indian ragas.
Music affects people like no other art or therapy
can match. It distracts the mind, slows the body's rhythms, alters moods, and
influences behavior. Music is fast becoming a complementary or alternative type
of therapeutic intervention as hypnosis, deep breathing exercises, or
cognitive behavioral therapy are specific interventions. The idea of music as a
healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as old as Vedas of Indian
Vedic period ( East ) ,Nada Yoga, a yoga
of sound, a path of exploration of consciousness through sounds
Taking the empirical results from studies done on
the effects of music on mental and physical health, music therapists apply
musical interventions to individuals of all ages, and now it is used by neurological
field ( Neurological Music therapy(NMT)(1.2.), to help memory of patients with stress,anger, anxiety management,for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and stroke patients) - familiar music can evoke
memories or states of mindNo matter what culture we are from,
everyone loves music. Music affects people like no other art or therapy can
match. It distracts the mind, slows the body's rhythms, alters moods, and
influences behavior. Music is fast becoming a type of therapeutic intervention
as established allied health profession, like hypnosis, deep breathing exercises, or
cognitive behavioral therapy are specific interventions.
The
ancient Indian music has devised a special therapy based on the 72 ragas, it is
appropriate to define raga .Raga is neither melody alone, not notes, neither
scale nor mode. It’s an ensemble of all these. According to an ancient Indian
text, Swara Shastra,the seventy two Melakarta ragas,parent ragas)control
seventy two important nerves in the body. It is believed that a person who
sings/performs a raga specifications (lakshana) and with purity in pitch (swara
shuddi) will have complete control on the corresponding nerve .To quote, for
those who suffer from-hypertension, ragas, such as Ahir-Bhairav and Todi are
prescribed. To control anger and bring down violence within oneself, Carnatic
ragas like punnagavarali,sahana and so on. Not only psychological, but the
somatic or physiological impact of ragas have come to light in recent research.
for instance ,stomach related disorders are said to be cures with Hindustani
ragas, such as Deepak(for acidity) and Jaunpuri(constipation)and Malakaunns or
Hindolam(Intestinal gas and fever)Simple iterative musical rhythms with low
pitched swaras as bhajans are capable of relaxation ,as observed with the
alpha-levels of the brain waves. They may lead to favorable hormonal changes. On
the therapeutic side, nothing new is to be invented. Only for this purpose, it
is necessary that exponents in Indian ragas join the experts in medicine to
help evolve a scientific system of raga therapy for the various illnesses of
modern times (3..Revathy)
recent reference is of( 4).Anuradha Mahesh
recent reference is of( 4).Anuradha Mahesh
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.
(Above raga list cited from ref.no.4,by Anuradha Mahesha http://anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com/music-therapy)
Music therapy is known to
- Promote wellness
- Manage stress
- relieve
anxiety
- Alleviate pain
- Express feelings
- Enhance memory
- Improve communication
- Promote physical rehabilitation
- Improve
mood and mobility of people with Parkinson's disease
- reduce the
need for sedatives and pain relievers during and after surgery
- decrease
nausea during chemotherapy
- help
patients participate in medical treatment that shortens hospital stays
- lower blood
pressure
- ease depression
- enhance concentration and creativity
- Enhance/improve socialization
Suggestion: you can listen to the following ragas and select according to your liking for them(giving few references to find them/as they are available on U tube.Keep your volume on medium and you may keep your eyes closed and just absorb the peace created by such superb musical notes ------/other ragas you can fine on your own from internet/u tube.
- On flute: Raga Malkauns with beautiful visuals of Mount Everest - :http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=0zG37obQe8c
- Raga Hansdhwni by pandit Hari Prakash chaurasia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VloVAPloX8
- On violin raga Bilaval by N.Rajam :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2fgEVr7C54
- On Santoor Pandit Shivkumar sharma http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13LB742Y-qE
- Bahauddin Dagar playing Raga Bhairav Pt1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5iO7Ee6gyE
- Ustad Rashid Khan singing Raga Todi http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdiwjk_ustad-rashid-khan-raga-todi_music#.UXSgt6JHKq0
- Pandit Nikhil Banerjee ,on sitar,Raga Bilaskhani Todi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFHNj8795W0
- On Sarod :ustad Amjad ali Khan ,http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xh9dvt_ustad-amjad-ali-khan-vol-2-live-at-pune_fun#.UXShJKJHKq0
- Raga Deepak on sitar Festival "Sitar in Saint Petersburg 2oo8" Second day raga Deepak - part I - Alexander Konanchuk (sitar), Wladimir Yeliseyev (sitar) and Andrey Terekhin (tabla) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AveHbp4I0S8
- Raga Megh by pandit Jasaraj http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=W-48-KDP4h4
- Raga Sahana By Bombay Jayashree http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K_eFRvtS8E
- Raga Sahana on violin http://officialmp3s.com/song/5424499-362435/mysore-t-chowdiah-tillana-violin-raga-sahana-tala-adi-mp3-download/
- V V Subramaniam-PunngaVarali-KanakaSaila-Violin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3_Wr0upi-Y
1.
Sundar. S. (2007)
Traditional healing systems and modern music therapy in India. Music Therapy
Today (Online) Vol.VIII (3). available At http://musictherapyworld.net
2.
Sairam, T.V. (2006).
Music Therapy: Designing Training Methods for the Mentally Retarded (MR)
Children, in Sairam, T.V. (Ed.) Music Therapy: The Sacred and the Profane.: (
74 - 78)
3. .Revathy,S .from http://www.carnaticindia.com/article2.html
4.Anurdha Mahesh :http://anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com/music-therapy/
4.Anurdha Mahesh :http://anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com/music-therapy/