Article on Music cure

In the fast expanding frontiers of health care one of the frontier posts is music therapy., the conscious use of melody with a view to harnessing its scientific properties to change the state of mind, modify the behavior of individuals and improve their holistic health.The use of music as a therapy helps search of a person’s personal harmony or “song of the soul’. Musical therapeutics has today become an important tool in the treatment of both physiological and psychosomatic disorders. The aim of the treatment is to find out the underlying cause of pain, to find out how and when the suffering started and help cure by using music to heal.

Basically Indian classical music is combination of a series of sounds, some repetitive and conforming to a set pattern in a given scale, bound vertically by an octave and laterally by a laya or rhythm. Analytically, the notations of the system and the presence of absence of the seven notes with some differential nuances of pitch and the consequent creation of ragas or tunes impart uniqueness.As for sound, it is scientifically proven that all things, animate and inanimate, have a resonance. Sound is one of the dimension of life and existence. It manifests through waves and vibrations and has positive and negative effects.Similarly, musical sounds influence the lower and higher cerebral centers which comprise the seat of all sensations, emotions and aesthetic feelings. Hence, the emotional quality of music and its importance as therapeutic aid has been explored. A plethora of legends exist about the powers of classical music. But scientific study and research in this area is yet to gain momentum in our country. Only limited studies are available in this direction as of now.

In the department of music, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, research is going on the classical ragas and their healing properties. Some of these studies involve individuals who are experiencing stress especially at work. Regular sessions are being conducted and the uneasiness is being eased out, it is reported.There are two types of music therapeutics - active mode and passive mode. In the passive mode of music therapy, participants in the sessions have to listen the given music with rapt attention. It does not require any sophisticated knowledge of music. The active therapy will be of much use to the neuro patients, hyperactive children and children with abnormal behavior, etc. likewise, if you want to boost your brain power, music flood your mind. Pay attention to different movements of the music.

MUSIC THERAPY ON STRESS AND STRAIN:

Individuals who work continuously, or who do not know how to come out of the work-related tension can be benefited from regular music therapy. Of course, it is subjective to some extent and varies from individual to individual . it is accepted by all experts that continued phase of mental stress is not good for health. At a particular stage, this leads to over-tiredness and the mind will be unable to be creative. It is here where the music therapy will be immensely helpful.

The mainstay of music therapy, of course, is specially-designed music sessions. After attending one or two therapeutic session participants might feel the difference. One important aspect on which the music therapist should focus his/her attention is the selection of music. It should coincide with body vibrations of the participants.As in ayurvedic treatment, music therapy also treats ailments on an individual basis. For example, if the classical music is used, one need to go for tow of three sessions of twenty minutes duration each a day.

The music does not have any side effects. If at all the listener does not like the music he or she can simply switch off the system or walkman through which he listens! Since music therapy does not have any side effects, this can be cultivated as healthy habit as well.