Raga Therapy

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THERAPY

Music is a universal language. It spans continents, languages and sensibilities. From time immemorial, music has been a part of Indian culture. All forms of celebrations have always been accompanied by music. The type of music varies according to religion, region and customs. But its appeal is universal. The saints and seers of ancient India recognized the importance of music. Saints like Kabir, Tulsidas, Namdeo, Tukaram and Meerabai obtained 'Moksha' through music. In the Vedas too, music has an important place. The 'Samveda' is full of music. Hymns have been known to have a positive effect on human beings. The doshas like Vata, Pitta and Kapha can be controlled effectively by Music Therapy. Music can play an effective role in helping us lead better, fruitful lives. Listening to devotional music in the early hours of the morning gets one ready to face the challenges that the day has to offer. In the evenings, after a stressful day at work, the right kind of music helps one relax and refresh. Even during the course of working, light music improves efficiency. Listening to music helps control negative aspects of our personalities like worry, bias and anger. In addition, it can help cure headache, abdominal pain and tension. Music therapy is one of the most effective ways of controlling emotions, blood pressure and restoring the functioning of the liver.

IMPORTANCE

The origin of Indian music is in the principle of creativity. Indian music attaches a great degree of importance to a calm and thoughtful state of mind as opposed to the provocative nature of western music. The attainment of intense concentration is the prime aim of Indian music. It also aims at liberating us from the bonds of life and death. The law of physiology states that when the mind is concentrated, the blood circulation is balanced. Such a body with a balanced circulation cannot be affected by any disease. Music can therefore play an important role in keeping us healthy. The ragas in Indian music are based on principles which provide for different feelings like irritation, happiness, sorrow and so on. It has been established that certain ragas have the power of evoking feelings of happiness, sorrow, pain and anger. For example, raga 'Todi' can elicit tears while 'Shankhadhani' has the power to refresh. Rage 'Bhairavi' encourages detachment while 'Yaman' creates serenity. Background music also proves to be a panacea for many ills. Music is capable of improving happiness, peace, health and concentration. It is however important to know the method and duration for which Music Therapy is to be administered. This knowledge can be obtained through regular experiments and experience. The first step towards this is the correct diagnosis of the disease and then the selection of the precise raga that will be helpful. Procedure, discipline and a systematic method will help achieve this goal.

Raga&Disease(s) it helps cure
Ahir Bhairav-IndigestionRheumatic ArthritisHypertension
Basant Bahar-Gall Stones (Cholecystitis)
Bhairavi-Rheumatic Arthritis
Chandrakauns-Anorexia
Darbari Kanada-Headache
Deepak-Indigestion Anorexia Hyperacidity Gall Stones(Cholecystitis)
Gujari Todi-Cough
Gunakali-Rheumatic Arthritis Constipation Headache Piles or Hemorrhoids
Hindol-Rheumatic Arthritis Backache Hypertension
Jaunpuri-Intestinal Gas Diarrhoea Constipation
Jaijawanti-Rheumatic Arthritis Diarrhoea Headache
Kausi Kanada-Hypertension Common Cold
Kedar-Headache Common Cold CoughAsthma
Madhuvanti-Piles or Hemorrhoids
Malkauns-Intestinal Gas
Marwa-Indigestion Hyperacidity
Nat Bhairav-Indigestion Rheumatic Arthritis Colitis
Puriya-Colitis Anaemia Hypertension
Puriya Dhanashri-Anaemia
Ramkali-Colitis Piles or Hemorrhoids
Shree-Anorexia Common ColdCoughAsthma
Shudh Sarang-Anorexia Gall Stones (Cholecystitis)
Shyam Kalyan-Cough Asthma
Sohani-Headache
Yaman-Rheumatic Arthritis