Sunday, April 21, 2013

' Music therapy @ stress management by listening to music '

" Music therapy ,stress management by listening to music "
Saraswati with Veena 

with suggestions what you can listen -Instrumental/vocal based on Indian ragas.

"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

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 

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.
References:
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)

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