MUSIC THERAPY - "For - Brain, Body & Soul "
Music has frequently been used as a therapeutic agent from the ancient times.
Music is a kind of yoga system through the medium of sonorous sound, which acts
upon the human organism and awakens and develops their proper functions to
extent of self-realization. This is the ultimate goal of Hindu Philosophy and
religion. Melody is the key-note of Indian Music. The 'Raga' is the basis of
melody. Various 'Ragas', have been found to be very effective in curing many
diseases.
How Music Helps?
Music helps in the treatment of actual diseases in the following manners:-
1. One obvious use of music is that of a sedative. It can replace the
administration of tranquillizers, or at least reduce the dosage of
tranquillizers.
2. Music increases the metabolic activities within the human body. It
accelerates the respiration, influences the internal secretion, improves the
muscular activities and as such affects the "Central Nervous System"
and Circulatory System of the listener and the performer.
The modern revival of music therapy has not yet sufficiently
progressed to indicate its full utility. Several problems immediately invite
further research. Under existing conditions, it would seem advisable to broaden
the foundation of musical research. Not only to advance the ethical and moral
rights of the human being, but also to prevent, if possible, the negative and
destructive influences which may be due to ignorance of the laws governing the
effects of sound and rhythm. It is obvious that the psychological effect of the
therapeutic music would be greater if the patient understood that the scientific
foundation of the procedure had been thoroughly established. Physiological,
Psychological, Physical, Moral, Intellectual, and Spiritual effects of music
confirm the supremacy of Indian Music.
Principles of Music Therapy: -
Music Therapy is now in the experimental and implementation stage. The ancient system is gradually being
transformed in to a modern science. India classical 'Ragas' have been
acclaimed to 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/her mental condition, environment
and the type of Music selected for having the desired effect. Music Therapy
largely depends on individual needs and taste. The use of Music as therapy is
based on scientific and clinical approach and has to be used with great care
and deep study of the nature of illness. 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] rhythm, 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 Raga for a particular
disease. Different types of Ragas are applied in each different case.
How Do I Apply Music Therapy?
When we use term Music Therapy, we think world -wide system of therapy.
Literature of Vocal part of Indian Classical Music is not sufficient in that
case. I apply the formula of three ' Ps ' -
i] Perfect Time, - It includes duration, span, interval and time to play the
music .
ii] Perfect Direction - It includes posture and conditions to listen the music.
iii] Perfect Force - It includes Tone, sound quality and volume of Medicative
Music.
i] Music Learned, ii] Music Lovers, iii] Non-Musical.
Remember there are three categories of patients .