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• Indian Raga Music & Yoga Philosophy

RAGA CURE: The Role of Raga to Cure Many Diseases

The Therapeutic Treatment, by Raga Music, is a scientific method of effective cure of diseases, which helps to restore, maintain and improve the emotional, psychological and physiological state. The articulation, pitch, tone and specific arrangement of Swaras (Notes) of a particular Raga (melody) stimulate, alleviate and cure various ailments. It is important to note that to get an ultimate good result, on the above-said matter, it is necessary to maintain some principles or techniques. Otherwise only listening or practice of Raga Music may not be a process of much benefit.

As we know that there exists a necessity of Chemistry, to make a specific Drug, so as it is necessary to know the specific formula of Raga Music, to be properly benefited from it. Raga has a definite soothing effect on the mind as well as on the body. Repeated listening to a particular Raga, being chosen, for a particular disease, produces a network of sound vibration.

The muscles & nerves of the affected part are contracted, when one impulse is given and relaxed during the interval between two impulses. Thus, during contraction of the tissue, musical notes make the blood flow out from that particular area and in the interval there is a relaxation and a state of reduced pressure is produced, in these areas. Thus the blood from the adjacent area will flow there. If this process is repeated again and again, the blood-flow and energy-flow, in that part, are enhanced.

Here it is important to note that Music-beats have a very close relationship with the Heart-beats. Music, having 70-75 beats per minute, equivalent to the normal Heart-beat of 72, has a very soothing effect on human body & mind. Moreover, Rhythm which is slower than 72 beats per minute, creates a positive suspense on the mind and body, since the mind & body complex anticipates that the music will speed up and this restored vital energy gives a deep relaxation to the body. Rhythms, which are faster than the Heart-beat rate, bring excitement to the body. In such a way, each or every Raga depicts its own mood. An appropriate mood is to be evoked in the Listener’s mind, before initiating the Musical Treatment.

Moreover, there are several historical examples of the immense remedial power of the Classical Ragas. For instance, in 1933, when the Italian dictator Mussolini was terribly suffering from Insomnia, no medicine or therapeutic mode could help him get asleep. Pt. Omkarnath Thakur, the Great Hindustani Vocalist was visiting Europe, around that time. When he heard of Mussolini’s physical position, he agreed to perform, remedial musical program, to allay the suffering. His performance of Raga ‘Puriya’ indeed worked magically and Mussolini went into deep sleep, within half an hour. Moreover, a number of similar incidents attracted the attention of many contemporary Musicians, Scientists, Physicians and Scholars to research on the flavor of Raga Music.

A group of London-based Physicians has scientifically experimented on different aspects of Music Therapy. As per their views, the Classical Ragas could induce healing of all kinds of ailments. They argue that the immediate benefit of these Ragas offer mental peace by alleviating tensions and providing an enchanting and creative diversion to the human mind. This is how Hindustani Raga Music generates new hope, joy and enthusiasm, in the dull or depressed mind, removes the disorders and relieves one of the untoward pressures and excitements of inferiority, despair, fear, anger, etc. So Classical Ragas are being used or advised today for the treatment as Nature Therapy.

The Great Scientist, Dr. Hans Jenny described “Our world is permeated throughout by waves and vibrations. When we hear, it is waves which pass through the air and strike our ears. When we speak about electromagnetic waves, we all know about light waves. The Sound wave of Hindustani Raga music creates a systematic vibration in the centre of consciousness and our body gets a sound therapeutic soothing effect. In connection with the above said event, Dr. Singh’s [Indian Doctor] Research, the Swaras’ Vibrations influence different parts of the brain (e.g. the reticular formation) which eliminates anxiety & promotes a calm state of mind. In the same way, the Hypothalamus & the Pituitary Gland are stimulated which are situated in the middle of the Brain and are responsible for the control of the Autonomous Nervous System and the Hormone System, in the human body. Dr. Singh examined [in 1993, Monghyr Hospital, Bihar] on several patients with this Swara Practice, 1/2 times a day, for few minutes. The result showed that those people became less worried & less stressed.

Thus we may say, when one get disturbed, if the person listen perfect Raga Musical Vibration, then one may easily recharge the spirit and gain a peace and great relaxation. The utility of our Great Raga Music & its above-mentioned scientific & detailed analysis is the most essential factor, to understand the importance of its sound events. Among the Ten Bhaba-Rasas, here, the main three Bhaba-Rasas are the Shanta Rasa, Karuna Rasa & Shringer Rasa. As per Time Theory & Mood i.e. Bhaba-Rasa Concept, the action takes place. To explain, it may be said that the Vastu-Rupa [Material Concept], with its related characteristics plays with its Tune or Mood & influences our mind, nerves, veins etc. Body & mind can easily absorb the effect of Raga. Modern Research shows that the Listening & Practicing of various Rasa-based Ragas [Mainly Shanta, Karuna & Shringer Rasas] may help to cure a number of diseases, as following:

1] The Ragas based on Shanta Rasa may cure the diseases like Insomnia, Rheumatic Arthritis, Anorexia, Gall Stones (Cholecystis), Cough, Asthma, Rheumatic Arthritis, Headache, Common Cold & Cough, Spondilosis, Backache Hypertension. They also help in sharpening the Memory and enhancing the Mental Concentration. The Shanta Rasa-based Ragas have been proved to be effective, in curing Liver ailments. It was also experimented that they give tremendous relief to patients of High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Hyper-acidity, Headache, Colitis, Anemia. Those Ragas have the wonderful effects & are closely related to the nature of the different parts of the Day, [according to changes in nature] and development of a particular cool sentiment, in the human mind. Those Ragas have a very pleasing, refreshing, light and sweet touchy effect.

2] The Ragas, based on Karuna Rasa like Ashavari & Todi Ragas, may cure the diseases as following: They may help to be recovered from Sadness & gives a Mental Satisfaction [Prashanti]. The Ragas of Karuna Rasa help to cure Low Blood Pressure, Anxiety, Tension etc. They are effective in eliminating the Impurities of Blood and related diseases. They help to enhance Confidence, Sedative, Headache, Asthma. It has also been found to be effective, in curing Mental Disorders and Calming the Mind. It has been considered, to be very effective, in easing Tension. It is said that a Late Night Raga, was composed by Tansen, for Akbar the Great, to relieve his tension after hectic schedule of the daily court life.

3] The Ragas, based on Shringer Rasa like Khamaz, Kafi, Bhairavi, Purbi & their related Ragas may cure the diseases, as following:

They create a situation of Mental Happiness, in mind. They help to cure Sleep Disorders [Sleeplessness], give Mental & Physical Relaxation and help to easing Tension. The patients, suffering from Insomnia, need a peaceful Sonorous Sleep & the Ragas of Shringer Rasa help to achieving it. It has also been found to be effective, in curing Mental Disorders and Calming the Mind, Rheumatic Arthritis, Diarrhea, Headache. It evokes a Humid, Cool, Soothing and Deep Mood. Different times of the Day, according to changes in nature and development of a particular emotion, mood or sentiment, in the human mind, arouses a feeling of Darkness, Stability, Calmness, Depth and pacifies Anger, removes excessive Mental Excitements, Mental Instability & Depression.

It has also been found to uproot the diseases like Asthma, Chronic Cold, Cough, Tuberculosis, some of the Sinuses and Chest-related problems etc. The Shringer Rasa-based Ragas help to cure Low Blood Pressure Heart ailments, Intestinal Gas problem, evokes Sweet, Deep, Heavy, Cloudy and Stable State of Mind, Anemia, Anorexia etc.The idea of Traditional Music, as a healing influence that can affect health and behavior, is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato.

The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II, when Community Musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to veterans’ hospitals, around the country, to play for the thousands of veterans, suffering both physical and emotional Trauma, from the wars. The patients’ physical and emotional improvements in response to Music led the doctors and nurses, to request that hospitals hire Musicians.

It is important to note that the Author [of this Research] himself demonstrated several Raga concert, as per Time Theory, in a world wide range. In 1999 he had visited many Veterans’ Hospitals in Sweden, Switzerland and Holland and sang various Ragas for the very old and depressed people, who were not in a sound physical condition and incapable to be sited [somehow sat on wheel chairs] at a stretch, for an hour-long concert. As a result of singing of Ragas like Ahir-Bhairava, Bhimpalasi, Bhairavi, Basant & few devotional Bhajans; they were highly enchanted and exposed their very positive enthralled attitude and enjoyed the thrilling moments & which expressed to the author. In case of Children, illness and hospitalizations disrupt normal living patterns, school and important social activities etc.

Therapeutic use of Raga may help to reduce this disruption, by providing sensitive & creative interventions. These interventions also offer to the acute and chronically-ill children, the chance to learn, express, relax and enjoy themselves. Author has also a rare experience, in this regard, to demonstrating Hindustani Raga Music, in several Schools in Sweden, where the little students remained steady & silent and happily enjoyed an Hour-long consort of Bhairavi Raga and Tarana. In all cases, Guardians and Principals of Schools had exposed their gratitude to the Author and astonished to observe the impact of Raga Concert, on those freckle-minded kids, who were silently, enjoyed the beautiful soothing Raga Music. Like this way, several Indian Students or common people have been getting good results, in their daily life, by the impact of Raga practice & listening.

The students, who are regularly practicing Hindustani Raga Music, feel healthy in mind. Moreover they are making promising results, in their studies, other than the common students; who are not, at all, related to the musical atmosphere. In case of common people, they also feel happy, in their daily life. The house-wives or retired persons also came to the Author to learn the Yoga-based Raga technique & become mentally happy, in the same way. Those are the practical experiments or experiences, of the impact of Raga practice & listening among the persons of various ages, various professions, the students of various ages & the common persons of the author’s personal circle [in India & abroad].Indian Raga Music has its multifarious utility &‘3 M benefits through the Raga Practice & Listening as following— i) Mental Benefit ii) Material Benefit iii) Medicinal Benefit. The Cultural Heritage of India has been claiming, the Divine Traditional Music [Hindustani Classical], to be the most effective & quick media, to uplift the Human mind & soul, humanity, godly qualities of toleration & nonviolence & finally to attain the union of ‘Jivatma’ & ‘Paramatma’.

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RAGA THERAPY

Increase Concentration

Acidity Control

Asthma Relief

Stress Relaxation

Low Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure

Raga and its Effects

1. Raga Pooriya Dhansari (Hamsanandi-Kamavardini ) – evokes sweet, deep, heavy, cloudy and stable state of mind and prevents acidity.. 2. Raga Bageshri – arouses a feeling of darkness, stability, depths and calmness. This raga is also used in treatment of diabetes and hypertension. 3. 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. 4. Raga Todi – give treamendous relief to patients of high blood pressure. 5. Raga Ahir-Bhairav (Chakravakam) – is supposed to sustain chords which automatically brings down blood pressure. 6. Raga Malkauns – helps to cure low blood pressure. 7. Raga Bhairavi – Provides relief T.B, Cancer, Severe Cold, Phlegm, Sinus, toothache . 8. Raga Malhar – Useful in the treatment of asthma and sunstroke. 9. Raga Todi– Provides relief from cold and headache. 10. Raga Hindol & Marava – These ragas are useful in blood purification.

Raga & its benifits

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Genius of Aruna Sairam

General, New to Indian Music

Ragatherapy: indian music's healing powers.

• Author: Jahnavi Harrison

There is hardly a culture in the world that does not recognise the healing power of music. In biblical times, it is said that David played the harp to rid King Saul of a bad spirit. As early as 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the ancient Greek father of medicine, played music for his patients. In the 13th century, hospitals in the Arab world contained music rooms for the benefit of the patients.

The first structured use of music therapy in the Western world was considered to be in the aftermath of World Wars I and II, when musicians would travel to hospitals, particularly in Britain, and play music for soldiers suffering from war-related emotional and physical trauma.

The ancient medical science of India, known as Ayurveda, has a branch that details how music can heal a variety of ailments of the body and mind. This process of specific application is called raga chikitsa or raga vidya. Though not used extensively in modern times, there have been a number of Indian classical musicians and scholars who have dedicated themselves to researching and practising this form of music therapy.

Evoking specific feelings and moods within the mind, body and soul of the listener is what Indian music is about, so it is hardly a surprise that the genre lends itself particularly well to therapeutic application. Raags are classified according to the most appropriate time of day to be played and to the predominant rasa or emotion that they evoke.

Each mode and musical note is deeply connected to corresponding subtle and gross frequencies in nature. The great medieval composer Tansen was said to have been able to light lamps by playing the fire Raag Deepak and invoke rainfall by playing Raag Miyan Ki Malhar and it is said that he created Raag Darbari Kanada to soothe Emperor Akbar’s stress in the evening.

Modern day practitioners of raga chikitsa come from both the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, and test the efficacy of playing different ragas for people suffering from physical or mental illnesses. The late Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan headed the Raga Research Centre in Chennai, where he trained and conducted research for many years. Speaking to The Hindu newspaper about the therapeutic power of raga music, he gave the example of Raga Sankarabharanam , stating:

"(It) 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".

The effect of a raga on the physical body is said by some to be due to the link between certain sounds and frequencies with the chakras, the seven energy centres of the body. Just as with ragas, each chakra has a specific associated colour and various attributes. For instance, the Nabhi chakra which governs the solar plexus and stomach area is said to be aided by Abhogi , Malkauns/Hindolam, and Bhimpalasi . It is said the chakra is cleansed by these ragas, aiding the physical body, for example, with digestion as well as bringing about a change of attitudes and inner transformation and helping to give up vices and compulsive habits.

Scientific research into the effects of certain instruments on the environment has produced some unusual findings. Jagadish Chandra Bose investigated the effect of the shankha (conch shell) blown during religious ceremonies. He claimed that it rendered disease causing bacteria dead or ineffective as far as the sound penetrated. Other researchers have concluded that blowing the shankha could potentially be recommended as a cheap and effective way of treating physical health complaints, as well as helpful for sufferers of hysteria, epilepsy and leprosy.

So - want to give it a try? There are many different ragas purported to aid various conditions. Below are a selection of both Carnatic and Hindustani ragas for some common ailments. Why not test them out at home and let us know what you experience?

Indigestion - Marwa, Nat Bhairav, Deepak, Abhogi

Stomach pain - (Ananda) Bhairavi

Cough - Gujiri Todi, Shyam Kalyan, Kedar

Headaches - Darbari Kanada, Jaijaiwanti, Sohini, Mohanam

Ragas can also be utilised as mental and physical boosters - take these for a spin - much more enjoyable than wheatgrass smoothies.

Energy booster - Shanmukhapriya, Brindavana Saranga

Peace and tranquillity - Sindhu Bhairavi, Kafi, Shankarabharanam

Confidence - Asavari, Shanmukhapriya

These days allopathic medicine has gained broader acceptance; most natural and complementary therapies have been sidelined in favour of treatments that produce immediate and easily measurable effects. However, the power of music is something that cannot be ignored. As Plato said, "music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul".

Jahnavi Harrison is a multi-disciplinary artist, specialising in vocal music, Kirtan meditation, and Indian devotional dance.

Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical music to stir, thrill, and inspire. Explore our YouTube channel , or subscribe to the Darbar Concert Hall to watch extended festival performances, talk and documentaries in pristine HD and UHD quality. 

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• http://bookofachievers.com/articles/ragas-therapy-for-healing-ailments-check-out-the-surheal

Indian classical vocalist creates an App SuRHeal to treat ailments like migraines, back pains, Alzheimer etc.,

Indian Traditional dance and music have been the spirit of Indian culture for quite a long time. India is a nation of art, melody, and harmony, as well as the strength of the diverse styles of choral music, contributes to the heritage and ideology. To be legendary and an elegant classic musician, decades of intensive preparation, real graft, and devotion are required. For a performer and vocalist like Runki Goswami, renowned for her Telugu creations like Teen maar beatulakki, music is a ground-breaking healer and a therapeutic channel that can alter one's unique singing style. Runki Goswami is an Indian classical vocalist and music composer, who displayed her melodies voice in seventeen Indigenous languages on global grounds. She had begun her musical journeys at the age of six from inter-school contest floors.

Runki Goswami was born on 12 June 1978 in Asansol, West Bengal. Runki's performance was noted by the type of melodies songs she recreated , which has now become a legacy in certain movies. Runki Goswami launched her musical career with a Bengali Divine Liturgy album – Debobeena. Aside from films, Runki's Bengali reverential collection and two other Hindi song collections Manmarzian and Odhi Chunar Dhaani were quite well appreciated by the crowd. Following this, she was the music director for two Telugu films; The davaste warrior, and Trivikraman . Her mega-hits creation Teen Maar Beatulakki is indeed a top pick with the rustic populace in Telangana. She is likewise a pioneer and a keen promoter of revitalizing Indian Ragas as a healing therapy. Her articles on Raga remedy have created tons of interest in this conventional Indian Raga treatment which was in any case, getting lost to different impacts.

Childhood melodic walk ...

Runki Goswami has been studying traditional Hindu songs since childhood. Runki was born in a singer family, so she is not exempt. Runki has always been chasing her dream since she was three years old and vows to clutch it until her final gasp. She was a Chief Executive Head of ISB in Hyderabad as well as a Masters in Mass Communications.

As per Runki the early age of a person is appropriate to get into an Indian classical music scenario. "Ideally somewhere in the range of age 5 to 8." It is at this age that you can undoubtedly comprehend the different ranges of abilities like-capacity to distinguish shrutis, building up a voice reach and voice balance techniques." Runki Goswami began her expert music vocation with a private Bengali Devotional collection – Debobeena. The verses were composed by her dad, Dr Malay Kumar Laik which she formed, coordinated, and sung. The collection was delivered in Pan India by Keerthana music. She has done her Visharad in Hindustani traditional music from Prayag from Delhi and Chandigarh. Bhatkhande paddhati is the thing that she has followed since her youth with a few Gharana styles while learning. Following this, Runki additionally took formal preparation in ghazal and different types in semi-classical.

SURHeal raga remedy App!

Created by musician Runki Goswami, SuRHeal provides raga meditation for the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. The thought of being a businessman was beyond her imagination until around the end of June 2016, when she visited her physician at the Indian Habitat Center ( IHC), Delhi.  The specialist revealed to her that antiquated Indian music is accepted to impact individuals' health and urged her to expand on her skill in raga and traditional music and investigate Raga treatment. As per Harvard Medical School, a 2011 examination of a few investigations recommends that music treatment improves individuals' physical, mental, intellectual, and passionate working during actual restoration programs. After multiple years of learning various ragas vibrations and related influence, Runki tasked a mobile App called SuRHeal. She explains the motto of raga healing therapy for inducing well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Expounding Ragas highlights…. Runki clarifies, " Ragas are made of melodic notes and have developed out of serenades from the Vedas. Every group of ragas differently affects individuals on various occasions." She began SuRHeal by onboarding five traditional artists. Accessible on Android and iOS, clients can pick between looking for physical and mental mending. Natural healing promises to treat pulmonary and lung-related diseases, abdomen and metabolism, pancreatic and liver, brain, breast, and back problems. At the same time, cognitive recovery tackles anxiety and stress, fatigue, insomnia,  neurological and Alzheimers disease.

Healing videos... Together with a music video clip for relaxation, the service provides details on ragas or rhythms and instrumentation used while composition, the variable frequency, as well as the length of day where they're powerful. It is a Modern analogous trail. Runki says, "Not everybody listens to Indian Classical songs. Hearing and humming to other songs with raga features can help to relieve discomfort, including migraine." It will give a customized plan in the wake of understanding the cerebral pain triggers," she clarifies.

The melodic line of the Global Diaspora….

The Gurugram-based Music Director and vocalist amazed music fans with her captivating presentation yet this time on the global stage. Runki sang 25 tunes in 17 distinct languages including folk tunes of Rajasthan, Himachal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, the Northeastern, and several other regions. Runki's commanded and practised melodies created a glorious scene in her trip across the northeastern region on the globe performing a plethora of Indian traditional songs in their native form, addressing the global audience in multi-language symphonic music.

Runki Goswami these days, spreading public awareness on raga therapy is associated with medical professionals to help to treat people more quickly from debilitating conditions such as asthma, backbone issues, stomach pains, etc. Asserting to build an App. for raga treatment, the budding entrepreneur is aiming to launch a membership platform in the coming years.

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Ragas in Carnatic Music and Their Health Benefits

International Music Day is celebrated on the 21st of June every year. Dr. Balaji Kirushnan shares the health benefits of music as his tribute to music lovers.

Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used as a therapeutic treatment to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior positively is as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians, both amateurs and professionals, went to veterans’ hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans who were suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.

Carnatic music is deeply rooted in the cultural system of India. The role of Carnatic music in aiding and curing diseases is well-known. Ragas are a fundamental concept in Carnatic music. It means colour in Sanskrit. Ragas are combinations of various notes or swaras, which give a particular sequence. All compositions that we hear in a concert have various ragas, which give colour to the listeners and lighten their mood.

There are 72 melakartha ragas or parent ragas and more than a 100 janya ragas which are derived from them. Ragas can also be classified based on the time of the day i.e. morning ragas like Bhoopalam and Bowli, afternoon ragas like Bhimpalasi and Brindavani Sarang, evening ragas like Hamir Kalyani and Durga and night ragas like Kurunji and Nilambari to name a few. Ragas are known to stimulate certain areas of the brain to release endorphins, the happiness hormones, which elevate a person’s mood. A feeling of sadness is invoked by ragas like Shubhapanthuvarali and Sivaranjani whereas ragas like Mohanam and Kadanakuthukalam invoke happiness.

The Indian Journal of Surgery published a study in 2012, which said that exposure to the raga Ananda Bhairavi showed a positive effect in postoperative pain management. This was evidenced by a reduction of 50% in the analgesic requirement for those who listened to the raga postoperatively for three days.

In another study by Dr Subramanian, 40 patients were divided into two groups. Both groups received pharmacological treatment as per standard protocols prescribed by psychiatrists. While 20 patients were advised to listen to Shankarabharanam for 15-20 minutes twice a day for a month, the remaining 20 were asked to listen to Kalyanavasantam for a similar time period. The severity of depression was reassessed. It was found that an improvement in symptoms was noted in most, which made it possible to reduce the dosage of antidepressant medicines they received. The other diseases in which ragas and music therapy have been helpful are listed below:

• Acidity:   Raga Puriya Dhanashri  is known to have positive effects in treating acidity and it also promotes a happy disposition.
• Diabetes  and Hypertension:   Raga Bageshri  calms the mind and promotes mental strength. This raga has been found to help control hypertension.
• Easing Tension:   Raga Darbari  has been proven to be effective in reducing the stress levels of individuals. Its composition is attributed to Tansen, who composed it to calm Emperor Akbar after a stressful day.
• BP Reduction:   Raga Todi  is effective in bringing down high blood pressure levels. Raga Ahir-Bhairav also does the same.
• Hypotension:   Raga Malkauns  is helpful in treating patients who have very low blood pressure levels.
• Tuberculosis, cancer, cold, sinusitis and toothache:   Raga Bhairavi  has been known to help patients suffering from these diseases.
• Asthma and Sun-Stroke:   Raga Malhar  has shown good results in treating asthma patients.
• Cold and Headache:  A persistent  headache  and cold are effectively controlled by  Raga Todi .
• Blood Purification:   Ragas Hindolam  and Marva help cleanse the blood.

Dr. Balaji Kirushnan Consultant Nephrologist Kauvery Hospital, Chennai

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The Rambling Monk

A Beginner's Guide to (Hindustani) Classical Music

Raga music intro type long blogpost.

Indian Classical Music is seen as something hard to get into. In the current generation especially, it’s seen as something which is for the old and music which is outdated, gatekept and not interesting at all. It can also be intimidating for people without a foot in to take the leap of fate into classical music, but it’s very straightforward — just listen to it!. The purpose of this piece is just to explain the bare bones so you don’t feel lost when you start.

Beware (or rejoice! if you’re bored and have nothing to do) though, it might take you while to get used to it, but once you get hooked to this, you’re very hooked.

Thanks for reading The Rambling Monk! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The stories of the musicians itself and their antics are also incredibly interesting.

Indian music consists of seven basic notes — sa, re, ga, ma, pa, da, ni

And then there are various microtones(shrutis) between the notes.

The Raga or Raag

Now the structure of Hindustani and Indian classical music is a term called “Raag” or “Raga”. There are many definitions and the concept of Raga is a vast one, but all you need to know to start of with, is that a Raga is a set of notes intending to create a vibe, a mood, an aura in the area and evoke emotions in the audience.

Hindustani music is divided into two parts — khayal and dhrupad. Dhrupad is the more meditative, ancient form of music and is slower and more fixed, while khayal is more free flowing, faster, and imaginative. I’ll be mostly focusing on khayal, (since that’s what I listen to the most : ), but you’ll find a few sprinklings of Dhrupad.

A point to note is that no Hindustani classical music is ever rehearsed as such. Most of it is improvised on the spot by the artist, based on pretty much everything. The weather may inspire an artist to play a Raag a certain way one day, while his own mood may make him improvise differently the next day and then feel of a place and the audience may make nudge him in a different direction of improvisation. A rule of thumb, and also why this music is so mystic in nature — is that no two pieces are ever the same.

Ragas also have specific times of the day they’re supposed to be played at. This is done with the intention that raagas have their full impact on the audience at certain times of the day. There are also seasonal raags based on the seasons, and some ragas have carte blanche and can be played any time of the day.

So in summary a Raga is a system used by the artist to influence the atmosphere. Now a Raga contains many different aspects and these aspects may vary instrument to instrument and in vocal, but a few basic elements are:

Alaap — The starting chunk of the Raga, done slowly, and the muscian improvises along the way in order to set the foundation for a raga. There is no tabla or pakhawaj (percussional elements) involved here. Basically a prelude to the raga, without tabla accompaniment. In vocal music, the artist(s) are usually accompanied by only the Sarangi or Harmonium during the alaap. Alaap can be further broken down into vistaar (gentle, calm introduction) and then Jod (the transition phase into the bandish) and Jhala (faster improvised phrases). The Jod and Jhala are mainly visible in Instrumental music, while the aalap is usually more brief in vocal music. Examples are given below.

GREAT ALAPS-Ustad Amanat ali and Ustad Fateh ali khan-raag darbari — YouTube

Amazing Dhrupad: Gundecha Brothers — Raga Bhupali alap — YouTube

Vilambit (slow), Madyalaya (medium) and Drut (fast) Bandishes  — This is the next stage of the music, and fixed compositions (called bandishes, and often very poetic and beautiful) become the centerpiece. Improvisation is carried out around these bandishes by the artist. The bandishes and the notes of the Raga act as the canvas for the artists creative brush. Elements here include taans, sargams, tarana, and various types of techniques. This is the point where the tabla enters the fray and acts as the timekeeper to the raag via the taal or a rhythm pattern. There are various different taals, but the most commonly used one is teentaal, and it has 16 beats. The poetry becomes symmetrical. The vilambit bandish is first, and then the madhyalaya and drut. The artist may also in some cases transition the vilambit into madhyalay and move directly to the drut bandish (i.e only 2 bandishes, not 3). The Raag usually ends with the drut bandish or a tarana in vocal and a drut bandish in instrumental music. This is the crecendo of the performance and the pace is fast. For the audience, atleast in my humble opinion, the moment right after the artist concludes, and puts his hands together (right before the applause) is the greatest.

PS — Vilambit may sometimes be known as bada khayal and Drut-chota khayal.

I’ve attached some (vocal) bandishes as a way of example below:

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Rare Jaunpuri ‘Chaturang’ — YouTube

Khan Bandhu Raga Miyan Malhar Compositions — YouTube

PT.MUKUL SHIVPUTRA-bandish beautiful-tilak kamod — YouTube

Smt. Kishori Amonkar, Mudriki Kanada (Drut Khayal) — YouTube

GREAT RENDERINGS 2-RAAG CHAYANAT-vidushi veena sahasrabuddhe-chayanat — YouTube

Note: I’ve only attached khayal vocal music above, since it’s the most common but will be attaching various instrumentals through the course of this piece.

Lighter and Heavier forms: Artists also more often than not have a repertoire of lighter genres like Thumris, Dhuns and Tappas, which they usually sing/play after they have completed a raga towards the end of a concert. There are also heavier forms which are a bit more religious in nature like Bhajans (which fall into the same category as the others) and other forms which are related but have their own niche like Qawwalis and Haveli Sangeet.

The chronology of a concert:

Raga 1 -> Alaap + Bada Khayal + Chota Khayal(s)

Maybe a Raga 2, or 3 or 4(depending on the duration of the concert)

Thumri/Tappa/Bhajan/Dhun

Where do I start?

The answer to this question is quite simple. Start anywhere. Find a link to some music, vocal or instrumental, you might vaguely know and/or heard of. Go from there. It may be hard to get used to sometimes heavy music, but it get’s easier to listen to as your musical palate gradually acclimates. I’m going to attach videos below of a wide spectrum of classical and semi classical music.

Dhrupad and Dhaamar-

Khayal vocal:.

Kumar Gandharva accompanied by Ram Narayan — YouTube

Pt. Mukul Shivputra- Bageshri — YouTube

Three illustrious brothers~ Pt Maniram Ji~Pt Pratap Narayan Ji~Pt Jasraj Ji — YouTube

Ustad Amir Khan — Raga Darbari Kanada — YouTube

Ustaad ali akbar khan with zakir hussain rare — YouTube

Pandit Ram Narayan Foundation — YouTube

Sarangi player Ustad Murad Ali Khan | SPIC MACAY, IIT Gandhinagar Chapter | 2019 — YouTube

Nicholas Magriel’s site — Sangi Rangi — Sarangi.net (growingintomusic.co.uk) Is a great reference for all things sarangi.

Sitar ( and also some surbhahar):

Note : I’ve left out the Tabla and Pakhawaj as it has it’s own niche and different style of solo-playing, and I’ve also not included much lesser known but spectacular instruments such as the esraj. The above videos are just a smidgen of the wide world of Hindustani classical music.

Below are pieces of Haveli Sangeet and Qawwali if you want to more Sufi-Folk / Temple Music.

Additional Videos and Links on the basics,

but I’d recommend that if you’re a beginner, just try to listen to music, see what you like and that itself will take you along the journey of the vast ocean of classical Indian music.

Notes, Octaves and Scale — kaminimusic.com

Understanding a Raga Performance — Raag Hindustani (raag-hindustani.com)

Samay Chakra (swarganga.org)

What time is optimal to listen to what raga?

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Written by Chinmay Hegde and published May 2022 originally.

Find him through the handle @chimneyhedge on Twitter / Instagram .

Ready for more?

Vedic Origin of Music

An insight into the the origin of music from the samaveda, by rhea lambah.

Ragas for times of day

In the Middle Ages, Hindustani classical music scholars (North Indian music scholars) associated particular times of day for different ragas or particular seasons. It is based on the belief that the human psyche and mind are affected by seasons and the daily biological cycle is influenced by natures rhythms. (This however is not true of the Carnatic system which is closer to the text and pays little emphasis on time or season). 

There is a specific time each raga can be performed or sung and some ragas have a particular season too. The time theory of a raga is based on the swara in the raga, the vaadi(primary note of raga) and the samvaadi (special note of significance) in the raga . The vaadi and samvadi are in most cases the fourth and fifth apart. When sung properly at the right pitch, with the true vaadis and samvaadis brought forth and at the correct time, ragas create a certain mood. For example, ragas sung at dawn evoke the emotion of birds chirping in the early morning. Evening ragas are like a lullaby suitable for the night. Hence ragas depict or bring about a certain mood in the mind of the listener.

POWER OF HEALING THROUGH RAGAS

Ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Indians were all aware of the healing powers of music, and there are legends confirming the same.  Hippocratic tradition emphasised applying natural methods to healing in medicine.

In Indian philosophical practice too, sound is intrinsically related to consciousness. Nada Yoga specifically deals with this topic and focuses on developing a interaction between sound and consciousness. It is based on the premise that the entire universe and all that exists in the universe,  including human beings, consists of vibrations called nada. The practice intends to synchronize  chakrasthanas  (location of chakras) with  swarasthanas (locations of musical notes). 

Swami Haridas, a classical musician of the 16 th  century, was one of the many who used music in treating illnesses during olden times. Practitioners of both Carnatic and Hindustani music were well aware of the power of music as a balm for the mind and body. The role of ragas in both Hindustani and Carnatic music hence besides creating mood, is aiding and curing diseases . Carnatic music training has a significant impact on auditory temporal resolution.  Ragas rendered properly have the power to heal the human body. A study showed that Raga Desi Todi significantly helps reduce depression and anxiety. 

In Carnatic music, there are 72 parent ragas or main ragas known as Melakarta ragas. Neural research shows that the 72 ragas control 72 nerves in the human body. Performing a raga within its specifications and with purity in pitch gives the performer complete control of the corresponding nerve. Ragas like Punnagavrali and Sahana help in calming the mind and control anger. 

Ravi Shankar, the contemporary master of classical music of India writes, “Saint musicians such as Baiju Bavare, Swami Haridas or Mian Tan Sen performed miracles by performing certain Ragas [classical Indian compositions]. It is said that some could light fires or oil lamps by singing one raga, or bring rain, or melt stones, cause flowers to bloom, and attract ferocious wild animals to a peaceful quiet circle around their singing.” Such is the power of Raga 

Can ragas heal?

This unique form of therapy is slowly gaining momentum in india as one of the foremost holistic health treatment methods..

02 JUN 2021

Dr. Meenakshi Ravi. Image credits: Manollasini trust

Ram Rakshith V

One of my students approached me for music therapy classes when he was just 12 years old. He was coping with cerebral palsy (Brain disorder) and diabetes. He was blind, hearing-impaired, and could not speak voluntarily. After the therapy process, he became free from most of the health issues and now sings very well. He has also completed a certificate course in music.

Q. Do you feel there is a requirement for more music therapists in the country? A.There are three to four music therapy centres in the city that are providing good service. Owing to the increase in demand, I am planning to start a music therapy course next month to train therapists across the state. I strongly believe that this form of therapy should be administered in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and pediatric care centres. Just like how Yoga, meditation, and physiotherapy are being encouraged as different forms of treatment methods, music therapy should also be promoted by the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) ministry. Raga therapy has already been widely accepted in western countries, but in India, it is still gaining momentum. I am confident and assure you that this form of therapy is holistically beneficial to a person’s health and well-being.

Bachelor of Arts | Pg Diploma in Journalism

• Hinduism, Indian culture, Vedic Science, Yoga, Spirituality, India

Ragas: The Healing Therapy of India

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 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 “sa”, “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 Mussolini’s affliction, he agreed to perform remedial musical programme to allay the latter’s 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.

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 V edic Science of mantras . This might also open new avenues of reviving the applications of mantra-therapy, as elaborated in the Scriptures.

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Music therapy

Music is a fundamental part of humans, and our brain is hard-wired to differentiate between noise and rhythm, and react to different tones and tunes. Sounds have an influence on brain and subsequently on body too. Hence, music is clinically used therapeutically to manage various conditions.

Although “Music Therapy” is a modern term, it can be rooted back to ancient Indian scriptures mentioning the therapeutic use of music or Ragas. Known as Raga Chikitsa or Raga Therapy, the musical rhythms in Bhajans and Kirtans were used to to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.

What is Raga Chikitsa?

As per Indian classical music, Raga is a melodic structure, performed at specific time and season to evoke specific moods. Hence, every raga has unique effect and triggers corresponding emotions within the listener. The are sounds for five basic elements of human body are:

• Earth: Diverse and mild, Earth sounds trigger a sense of activity and movement in body. String and percussive instruments like drum, cymbals, etc. create earth sounds.
• Water: Depth, pattering sounds with tendency to produce imagination, fancy, dream, affection. The Chinese water bowls create the sounds for water.
• Fire : High-pitched, energetic sounds are related with the fire element, with a tendency to trigger sense of fear.
• Air : The wavering whispers of air usually overpowers all other sounds and creates a sense of ecstasy, and soothing the fire of heart. All wind-based instruments fall under this category, Krishna’s flute being the classical example.
• Ether : The basis of all other sounds, ether is self-contained and exists in space. Giving ecstasy, joy, restfulness and revelation, it is unheard except to those who open themselves to it by the sacred practices.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Few of the many benefits related to music therapy are:

• Improves cognitive, emotional, physical functions and abilities
• Non-invasive and medicine-free therapy
• Helps with easing pain and stress
• Management of clinically incurable disorders like autism, Alzheimer’s, etc.
• Can be used as a complimentary therapy alongside others

Where to get Music Therapy from?

With benevolent blessings of Guruji Sri K.T. Sivanandan Vaidyar, and support from the entire AMCT team, Dr. Harshit Maniar from Rajkot (Gujarat) provides professional music therapy.

Medindia » Articles » Lifestyle » Raga Therapy for Healing Mind and Body - Working - Healing Ragas - Types

Raga Therapy for Healing Mind and Body

• Ragas That Heal
• Latest Publications

"It's no coincidence that four of the six letters in health are heal." - Ed. Northstrum

There is a limited amount of scientific literature on the idea behind Indian classical music as a healing therapy. Its position in the genre of healing through music, though proven through the ages, has not been researched and applied as thoroughly and on the scale that it ought to have been. Every parent knows that soothing tones and sounds pacify even the most irritable of babies. Therefore, the primary proof of the efficacy of music or Raga therapy is the lullabies we sing to infants and toddlers. This is later heightened into Raga therapy for more mature perceptions of adults and adolescents. Practitioners of music therapy have living proof of the effectiveness of music in therapeutic applications on a daily basis. They treat conditions like stroke, brain injury, depression, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and many others.

The therapeutic effect of ragas in Hindustani and Carnatic classical music is a time-tested one, described in the ancient system of Nada Yoga . It channelizes vibrations emanating from sounds to uplift the level of the patient’s consciousness. Raga Chikitsa , an ancient manuscript in Tanjore’s Saraswati Mahal Library built by Raja Serfoji, a Maratha king, contains a treasure on ragas and spells out their application and use in fighting common ailments and diseases.

How does the system of Raga therapy actually work? A Raga is a sequence of selected notes ( swaras ) that lend appropriate ‘mood’ or emotion in a selective combination. It’s a yoga system through the medium of sonorous sounds. Depending on its nature, a raga could induce or intensify joy or sorrow, violence or peace, and it is this quality which forms the basis for musical application. Thus, a whole range of emotions and their nuances could be captured and communicated within certain melodies. Playing, performing and even listening to appropriate ragas can work as a medicine.

To be rendered effective, Ragas are used in a combination with Ayurveda, the ancient science of Vedic healing. A Raga must be played or sung to a patient keeping in mind his/her physical nature of vata , pitta or kapha .

• Vata is responsible for all kinds of movement in the body
• Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism
• Kapha is responsible for all structure and lubrication in the mind and body

The time assigned to the Raga during the day or night is also important. Moreover, it is to be seen whether the time of the day or night is naturally suited to vata , pitta and kapha .

Let’s take an example. Early morning is the natural kapha time for Ayurveda. A kapha -type person should be treated to an early morning Raga like Bhairav, to cure physical imbalances. The later part of the morning and afternoon is pitta time. Raga Bilawal can be used during these hours to treat patients. Late afternoon and evening is vata time, when Raga Pooriya Dhanashri and Marwa can be used as a cure. It is very important, however, that the Ayurvedic constitution of the patient be kept in mind – as to whether he or she is a vata , pitta or kapha person.

The people at the core of this treatment would be the music therapist, the client, the clinical facility whether at home or in a hospital, and music providers. Music therapists interact with their clients and the use of music. They assess their clients and create a clinical plan for treatment in coordination with the team and client goals. This is what determines the course of clinical sessions. A music therapist works within a client-centered, goal-directed framework.

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• Bagchi, K. (Ed.) Music, Mind and Mental Health , New Delhi: Society for Gerontological Research
• Crandall, J. 1986 Self-transformation through Music , NewDelhi: New Age
• Sairam T. V. 2004 b. Raga Therapy , Chennai: Nada Centre for Music Therapy
• Sairam, T. V. 2004 a. Medicinal Music , Chennai: Nada Centre for Music Therapy

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• What the Stroop Effect Reveals About Our Minds - (https://lesley.edu/article/what-the-stroop-effect-reveals-about-our-minds)
• The Emotional Stroop Effect Is Modulated by the Biological Salience and Motivational Intensity Inherent in Stimuli - (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03023/full)
• Numerical stroop effect - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15058867/)
• The Emotional Stroop Task: Assessing Cognitive Performance under Exposure to Emotional Content - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4993290/)
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• Ask an Expert: How does Stroop Effect apply to real life situations? - (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/ask-an-expert/viewtopic.php?t=6139)
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Literature regarding Indian classical music is replete with stories expounding curative properties of music of the land. Whether fact or fiction, one cannot deny the effect music has on body, mind and spirit. Musicologists call it an expressive tool that has a therapeutic impact on people’s physical and mental health. That exposure to a raga induces a sense of wellbeing and raises the mind to a new level of consciousness is well known. But is it an antidote for diseases like diabetes, spondylitis, thyroid disorders, cardiac ailments, malaria, arthritis, and even TB, as is being claimed?

For instance, does exposure to the melodious Marwa , an evening raga with a hexatonic scale, cure malaria? Can the evocative Bhairavi uproot asthma, chronic cough, cold and even tuberculosis? Several music therapists in the country seem to claim this, and what’s more, recommend it as an alternative medicine. The Internet is full of information on which raga is good for which ailment. So if you are seeking relief from chronic constipation, simply listen to Gunkali or Jaunputi , or tune in to Malkauns to get rid of intestinal gas or high fever. Is this reality or myth?

Professor Shruti Sadolikar-Katkar, vice chancellor of the Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, said she has not come across any strong evidence regarding ragas having cured diseases. “Music is all about sound waves and has been considered to be effective in calming the nerves and helping the mind in attaining peace. But ragas are not like prescribed medicines which can cure diseases.”

Dr T.V. Sairam, president, Nada Centre for Music Therapy, New Delhi, endorsed Sadolikar-Katkar. Ragdari music has mysterious energy and is cathartic. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the claim that ragas cure diseases, he said, adding, “Music can be used as a complimentary therapy in combination with an established mode of treatment like allopathy, Ayurveda and homeopathy. The relief that a patient gets is psychological and not physical.

Music originated from Sama Veda , one of the four Vedas, the ancient Indian scriptures. But that music was in the form of Vedic hymns to be chanted at the time of a yajna (sacrificial ritual). Musical scale developed with time and music then became a mode of expression like language. Slowly, Ayurveda too developed as a method of treating human ailments.

“If music was so effective then where was the need for Ayurveda? I am a musician myself and also know quite a few musicians who need doctors to treat various ailments. Why should artists need doctors if music could cure diseases?” Sadolikar-Katkar, who is a renowned exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana and winner of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, observed. However, she said that she has come across many doctors and surgeons who played instrumental music in their clinics to provide solace to patients and it was found to be very helpful.

Even high priests of modern medicine do not dispute the power of music in combating negative feelings like fear, anxiety, pain and depression. That it helps afflicted individuals in developing coping strategies, expressing emotions, enhancing self-confidence and instilling a sense of security, is well understood. “Music definitely has a deep impact on the mind,” Dr Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, head of the department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, observed. “I can assertively say that not only does music promote wellness but also enables one to face and overcome challenges in life confidently, while still remaining grounded.”

Expressing from a musician’s perspective, backed by years of experience, Meeta Pandit, an exponent of Gwalior Gharana, said music offers stability to the mind and keeps one in the present. Narrating a personal experience, she said, “The power of music has helped me to cope with many turbulent phases in my life. I have rarely needed counseling. I have survived the situations in which any other person would have inconsolably broken down.”

When Dr Sairam was lying in a hospital waiting for his surgery, he chose to listen to melancholy music to ward off depression. “The sadness in the music was different from the sadness in me. My grief was chaotic. I had too many disturbing thoughts and was miserable. But the sorrow expressed in the music was an organised pattern of soothing notes. I was able to synchronise with that. Joyful music would not have worked then. The impact was wonderful.”

The curative aspect of raga, a sequential arrangement of selected notes in varying combinations that produces melody, has been a much-researched subject of a bygone era. Raag Chikitsa , an ancient Indian treatise on musicology is replete with information on cognitive impact of notes, rhythm and microtones in various permutations and combinations. In his article on music therapy published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry , Dr Sairam propounded that the ancient system of Nada Yoga had fully acknowledged the profound impact music had on body and mind. Its ability to uplift one’s level of consciousness, too, was a well-established fact.

However, despite being an ancient practice, research in raga therapy in India is still in infancy. Few studies have been conducted in recent years, which have found some evidence to support the claim that a raga could be a safe alternative for medical interventions, like the use of synthetic analgesics in pain management.

The Indian Journal of Surgery published a study in 2012, which said that the exposure to Raga Ananda Bhairavi showed a positive effect in postoperative pain management. This was evidenced by reduction in analgesic requirement by 50% in those who listened to the raga postoperatively for three days. Some other studies have analysed the effect of music during cardiac catheterisation, prior to and after cardiac surgery and during rehabilitation. There are also research reports that espouse the effect of music in intensive care medicine, geriatric care and disorders like depression.

Music also boosts immunity. Illness affects an individual’s psyche and negatively impacts his/her overall wellbeing. “When used with medicine, music works as an adjuvant that calms the mind and helps improve overall wellbeing,” Dr Subramaniam said. “But this needs a lot more research.”

While Indian musicology may prove to be a treasure trove for the medical fraternity, it is imperative to enquire into this field with an open mind. Experts feel that it is necessary to create a body of knowledge to back the arguments on music therapy through research based on specific, scientific parameters.

“We need to conduct clinical studies on a sizeable population to create well-documented case studies,” Dr Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, another accomplished vocalist also affiliated to the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, opined. “It should be a collective effort. Medical experts, clinicians, performing artistes, statisticians and of course patients should work together for this cause.”

Dr Bhide-Deshpande was of the opinion that music therapy is a complex field and hence every aspect of this system needs to be thoroughly studied. “Music therapy may not work for all as the impact of music has more to do with reception than transmission,” she said. “You cannot force someone who doesn’t have an ear for music to undergo music therapy. One needs to have the antenna to receive music. If the antenna of a person is ill-formed, you may subject this individual to the best of music and there will not be any impact because she or he does not have the ability to process it further,” she opined.

According to Dr Subramaniam, since response to music is subjective, a great deal of qualitative research is also needed to garner substantial evidence. “My personal research experience with two Carnatic ragas, Shankarabharanam and Kalyanavasantam, as complementary medicine in the treatment of depression has yielded good results,” she said.

Based on the severity of depression as assessed by a standardised questionnaire, Dr. Subramaniam divided 40 patients into two groups. Both groups received pharmacological treatment as per standard protocols prescribed by psychiatrists. While 20 patients were advised to listen to Shankarabharanam for 15-20 minutes twice a day for a month, the remainder of the group was told to listen to Kalyanavasantam for a similar time period. The severity of depression was reassessed. “Improvement in symptoms was noted in most, which made it possible to reduce the dosage of antidepressant medicines they received. Now I am motivated to further my work,” she declared.

Dr Subramaniam is now working on improving memory and attention span in children using music. Study will be conducted in a Mangalore school. In palliative care setting, music is being given based on patients’ choice and “we find them to be calmer, requiring lesser dosage of sedatives/pain relieving medication and also having better sleep.” She is sanguine that her efforts in music therapy may open the door to new and exciting possibilities in treatment of human ailments.

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• The Therapeutic Power of Indian Classical Music

May 26, 2018 6 min read 1 Comment

INTRODUCTION

Indian Classical Music has been known since ancient times for its extraordinary potential as a therapeutic aid for providing relief in certain ailments of the body and the mind. The soulful, rhythmic tunes of classical Ragas has an endless positive impact on the brain, heart, nervous system, blood circulation, metabolism and the ability to control the state of mind. Music therapy through Indian Classical Music is no recent development; it has been in practice as alternative or complementary to curative therapy for ages. In present times, extensive research is being conducted to establish the scientific ground behind the power of music to alleviate different physiological disorders.

DISEASES WHERE MUSIC THERAPY HAS PROVED BENEFICIAL

Indian classical music manifested through the framework of different Raga (Raag or Ragam ) has proven to be beneficial in a number of diseases ranging from a simple headache to even cancer. The conditions in which classical music has been found to reduce discomfort and alleviate symptoms are Hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, migraine, arthritis, cardiac ailments, asthma, fever, cold and cough, allergic reactions, chronic pain, insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and many others. Classical music also aids patients with neurological disorders like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease or behavioral disorders like Schizophrenia, anxiety, autism --- to nurture a better approach for a fulfilling, healthier life.

HOW CLASSICAL MUSIC THERAPY HELPS

To talk in more details, ancient Indian classical music follows the pattern of Sapta Swara (7 notes) which are each distinct in all aspects thereby impacting different parts of the body and brain when they are sung or heard. The mellifluous melodies created by harmonious confluence of these seven “swara” give rise to the Ragas which build the foundation of Indian Classical music.

The Raga Research Institute in Chennai is now conducting a comprehensive study of different Indian Ragas and their therapeutic potential with a team of competent musicians, doctors and psychiatrists to discover the exact pathway of influence of music on the body for alleviation of diseases.

So far it is known that classical music stimulates the main action centre of the brain, the pituitary gland whose secretions have impact on the nervous system.

The vibrations from instrumental music vibrate the body cells and thus improves blood circulation and bone health.

Singing or listening to classical music for a prolonged time relaxes and refreshes the mind and body, reducing negative emotions. Soft, soulful music enhances positive emotions and energizes the body for renewed spirit of life.

Though music therapy varies in a drastic manner from person to person owing to individual tastes, choices and physical conditions (For example, a patient of high blood pressure cannot be exposed to any upbeat music as it will worsen his or her condition), it can be concluded that music therapy maintains emotional, physiological and psychological balance and provides a wholesome relief.

THE DISEASES AND THE RAGAS

THE CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTS

10 AMAZING INSTRUMENTS OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC THERAPY

Music can help us lead a better and healthier life. Indian Classical Music as a medium for music therapy is one of the most popular complementary therapy nowadays. With Indian Classical Music gaining international popularity steadily, its therapeutic potential is also reaching and benefitting many around the world.

By Sayantani Nath

Guest Author and Student of Biology

Bibliography

Raga Therapy , Raga Music Therapy | Music Therapy For Wellness , Anuradha Mahesh | Music (raga) and its Therapeutic Effect , Ayurveda For You

Ashok Anant Khare

June 13, 2018

I am very much impressed after reading this article on music therapy.

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How music can heal diseases, know the power of ragas.

Power of Ragas

We all live a super busy life. All of us race from one job to the other every day. A family errand could be followed by crisis at office. We are always trying to mentally rearrange our schedule to insert a new requirement popping ever minute. 24 hrs is no longer good and we are left with a feeling that there aren’t enough hours in a day. Leading a hectic life is a part of our chosen lifestyle and practically not much can we do about it. The flip side to this is stress, anxiety and a host of other mental and physical issues. Is there something that can help us recoup from certain illnesses effortlessly? Well, there is an answer to all this in Music. Do you know that music is a natural healer? Modern science permits music as a therapy - to treat chronic and terminal diseases painlessly. Let’s delve a bit more into this and see if knowing this can help!

Music is a clear reflection of the sum totality of human behavior.  It is a part of a man’s ethnicity, customs and social legacy. Music was born in the Indian subcontinent with the advent of the Vedas Samaveda to be specific. Haridas Swami - guru of Tansen helped recuperate one of Akbar’s queens with a particular raga. The musical trinity of India, Saint Thyagaraja, Syama Sastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar brought a dead person back to life, cured stomach aches of many and also used music to pray for good health for mankind in general. It was done through certain ragas in Indian classical, all of which are formed with handpicked notes to work on certain neurons of the human body. These Ragas are curate to belong to a particular time slot in a day and they work best when heard or sung then. Elements in parent raga’s control more than 100 nerves in the body and their ascending (aaroh) and descending (avroh) notes govern moods and mobility that play an important role in the therapeutic prowess of our own music. Music therapy is often used to aid improvement in multiple areas of brain function deficit and to improve quality of life, as well as facilitating physical healing. Below is a list of ragas that help cure ailments. Some of the ragas are widely known and which can be used to treat a host of other ailments

For Hypertension

Raga Bageshri, Malkauns, Todi, Pooriya, Ahir Bhairav and Jaijayanti. Raga Malkauns is specifically used to treat low blood pressure. Raga Todi and Ahir Bhairavis a miracle pill for High BP patients and as a medication can be heard any time in the day.

Mind: Anxiety and Stress and Intellectual Excellence

Raga Kaafi and Darbaari, for mental strength and stress, Raga Shiva Ranjani---for intellectual excellence, Raga Khamaj particularly for Hysteria and Raga Sahana for control over anger and inner violence. Raga Darbari helps with relieving stress if heard late night and Raga Bhimpalasi if heard in the noon.

Overall stomach, Acidity, constipation, intestinal gas and fevery due to stomach infections

Raga Pooriya Dhanasri and Deepak for Acidity, Raga Jaunpuri and Gunkali for constipation, Malkauns for intestinal gas and fever. Basant Bahar cures Gall Stones. Raga Pooriyais also known to cure colitis and anemia if heard in the evening.

Heart Problems

Sarang family raga’s, Kalyani and Charukesi work amazingly well for heart blockages and other heart diseases.

Raga Asaveri, and Poorvi are drugs to get rid of headaches. Raga Todi is necessary for headache due seasonal colds, while Raga Asavari also holds good for psychological disorders. Raga Bhairavi helps cure headaches for Sinusitis.

Raga Bageshri and Raga Jaijayanti for diabetes whether you are at a borderline or on insulin.

Raga Bhairavi and Raga Lalit are played particularly during chemotherapy sessions. Patients taking music therapy are believed to recuperate much faster than those only on chemical drugs.

Raga Malhar, Mian ki Malhar and Darbari Kanada are known for their healing properties for chronic asthma.

Blood Purification and Skin Issues

Raga Hindol and Marwa not only purify blood and help maintain the best of skin possible, but also cures high fevers caused due to Malaria and Dengue.

Hormonal Problems and PCODs

Slow songs at a lower to medium octave as in Bhajans help in relaxation. They lead to favorable hormonal changes and cures PCODs. Shiv Shambhu bhajans have helped cure back pain and slip dics, Ganpati bhajans have evoked confidence and dispelled fear, Krishna Bhajans have been used to treat depression and stress, Raga Hanswadhani has helped to regenerate cells and bring back energy.

Article by: - Ms. Runki Goswami , is noted Singer & Music Composer. She is also a Corporate Leader.

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