Music Therapy

Music and Stress Relief

It is with great dedication and devotion I have composed this music for
stress relief . This was done by me when a famous Ayurvedic group
approached me and asked for a soothing music that could bring down the
stress level. This particular music is played during their Panchakarma
Chikitsa session which is done during the morning hours.
When the Sun fades and all extroversion, entertainment, and distraction is denied
to Man, the mind retreats into a state of meditative introversion we call sleep.
Thoughts that are unfinished in the mind, during the day, continue throughout the
night in the forms of dreams, striving towards their resolution, as part of the brains
intrinsic mechanism to find order. In a sense then, sleep is Natures way of reuniting
Man with him or herself, enabling that which lies dormant in the hidden recesses of
the mind, to reveal and express itself in secure isolation from the world.
The dawn of a morning then, has tremendous significance. It is the first witness of
the conscious mind to the revelations of the night. To many, the waking hours may
express the calm satisfaction of a release, the relief of a burden, and a feeling of
pious quietude. To others, however, the meditation of sleep may have brought to
the surface of the mind, the most secret burdens of ones life, and leave one in
emotional turmoil. Therefore, if one were to provide a general description of the
mood of a morning, perhaps it would be one of serenity and depth, holy, while
simultaneously tinged with emotions ranging from great disturbance to supreme
calmness.
A musical note has its own distinct psychological effect or emotion, and is also
related specifically to a colour, mood, chakra, and time of day. Raga Bowli is
chosen to promote relaxation and prevents the effects of chronic stress ,
promoting emotional well being and maintaining positive mental health to
begin the day. The slower tempo of Raga Bowli in the composition promotes a
calm and meditative state. Breathing and heart rate is altered by listening to the
music here it is Bhagavad Gita the Supreme Manthra and Chapter 9 Raja Vidya
deeply penetrates in to the human system through the Ajna Chakra.
(Ajna Chakra the third eye point- this is the intellectual center where
your intuition and imagination blossom. It encourages self-reflection and
is related to mental clarity. )
Close your eyes and concentrate on the Ajna Chakra and imagine the
Sarvaathmaswaroopa Lord Sri Krishna while listening to the music.
Wishing you All a Stress Free Life with Spiritual Enlightment.
-

Raga Chikitsa -Its Effects and Timings

One of the unique characteristics of Indian music is the assignment of definite times
of the day and night for performing or listening Raga melodies. It is believed that
only in this period the Raga appears to be at the height of its melodic beauty and
majestic splendor. There are some Ragas which are very attractive in the early
hours of the mornings; others which appeal in the evenings, yet others which
spread their fragrance only near the midnight hour.
This connection of time of the day or night, with the Raga or Raginis is based on
daily cycle of changes that occur in our own body and mind which are constantly
undergoing subtle changes. Different moments of the day arouse and stimulate
different moods and emotions.
Each Raga or Ragini is associated with a definite mood or sentiment that nature
arouses in human beings. The ancient musicologists were particularly interested in
the effects of musical notes, how it effected and enhanced human behavior. Music
had the power to cure, to make you feel happy, excited,keep you calm, balance
your mind and so on. Extensive research was carried out to find out these effects.
This formed the basis of time theory as we know it today.
Emotions, feelings and thoughts have been reported to be greatly influenced by
music listening or participation. Emotional experience derived from music has a
powerful effect on the formation of ones moral and intellectual outlook. Music
activities enhance imagination & creative thinking.
Here is a humble attempt from my part to list the ragas with their therapeutical
effects and the appropriate time at which these ragas should be listened. This list
will be updated as and when I come across any new raga with their effects and
timings. Most of the raga timings given here are taken from variuos sources. The
sources include Sangeetha Sampradaya Pradarshini written by Sri
Subbarama Deekshithar,References from the The Raga Guide -A Survey of
74 Hindustani Ragas, times given as per the seminar papers presented by
various experts in the field of Music Therapy.
It is in the form an excel worksheet. Readers can download or view it
online.
The 24 hour period is divided into 8 beats each three hours long, as
follows:
The 24 hour period is divided into 8 beats each three hours long, as follows:
1. 7 a.m. 10 a.m. first beat of the day. Daybreak; Early Morning; Morning;
2. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 2nd beat of the day. Late Morning; Noon; Early Afternoon;
3. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 3rd beat of the day. Afternoon; Late Afternoon;

4. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 4th beat of the day. Evening Twilight; Dusk (sunset);Early Evening;
5. 7 p.m. 10 p.m. first beat of the night. Evening; Late Evening;
6. 10 p.m. 1 a.m. 2nd beat of the night. Night; Midnight;
7. 1 a.m. 4 a.m. 3rd beat of the night. Late Night
8. 4 a.m. 7 a.m. 4th beat of the night. Early Dawn; Dawn (before sunrise); Morning
Twilight
Raga and Timings

Raga Chikitsa
Simply defined, Raga Chikitsa means healing through the use of raga. Raga
Chikitsa is defined as the knowledge of how to use raga for the purposes of
healing. Fundamental features of Raga Chikitsa is the classification of the ragas
based on their elemental composition (ether, air, fire, water, earth) and the proper
use of the elements to balance the nature of the imbalance.
Ragas are closely related to different parts of the day acording to changes in nature
and development of a particular emotion, mood or sentiment in the human mind.
Music is considered the best tranqulliser in modern days of anxiety, tension and
high blood pressure.
It is believed that the human body is dominated by the three Doshas Kaph, Pitta
and Vata. These elements work in a cyclic order of rise and fall during the 24 hour
period. Also, the reaction of these three elements differ with the seasons. Hence it is
said that performing or listening to a raga at the proper allotted time can affect the
health of human beings.
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 5swara 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 ones 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.
The power of musical vibrations connects in some manner all things and all beings
and all beings in the universe on all plants of existence. The human body has

72,000 astral nerves (Nadis) which incessantly vibrate in a specific rhythmic

pattern. Disturbance in their rhythmic vibration is the root cause of disease. The
musical notes restore their normal rhythm, there by bringing about good health.
Listen with your heart and not your intellect.

Therapeutic Evaluation of the Classical Ragas

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.
MUSIC THERAPY For Brain, Body & Soul
The entire concept of Music Therapy is experimental. For me it is a kind of
YOGA,which acts upon the human organism and awakens and develops their proper
functions to extent of self-realisation.
Music therapy is a scientific method of effective cures of disease through the power
of music. It restores, maintains and improves emotional, physiological and
psychological well being. The articulation, pitch, tone and specific arrangement of
swaras (notes) in a particular raga stimulates, alleviates and cures various ailments
inducing electro magnetic change in the body.

Music is basically a sound or nada generating particular vibrations which moves

through the medium of ether present in the atmosphere and affects the human
body. Music beats have a very close relationship with heart beats. Music having 7075 beats per minute equivalent to the normal heart beat of 72 has a very soothing
effect. Likewise rhythms which are slower than 72 beats per minute create a
positive suspense on the mind and body. Rhythms which are faster than the heart
rate excite and rejuvenate the body.
History Says:
The history of Carnatic music says that the system of Mayamalava Gowlai was
introduced by the blessed musician, Purandaradasar. This raga has the potency to
neutralise the toxins in our body. Practising this raga in the early hours of the
morning, in the midst of nature, will enhance the strength of the vocal chords.
In India, saint musician Thyagaraja is said to have brought a dead person back to
life with Bilahari raaga, and Muthuswamy Dikshitar cured stomach aches with his
Navagraha Kritis. In our own times Pt Omkarnath Thakur is said to have cured
Mussolini of his insomnia with a song.
Kollegal.R.Subramaniam , a great musician wrote , According to the Sangita Sastra,
the 72 Melakarta Ragas control the 72 important nerves. If one sings with devotion
adhering to lakshana and sruti sudhi, the Raga Devatas shower blessings, injecting
the particular nerve in the human body which shall give needed relief in due
course. By singing the 72 Melakarta ragas, stomach operation can be avoided and
ailment cured.
Research
Research has shown us that music does 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 mental
condition , environment and the type of Music, selected for having the desired
effect. Music Therapy largely depends on individual needs and taste. 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] rhytym, 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 Rag for a
particular disease . Different types of Ragas are applied in each different case .
What is the effect of music on Brain waves?
Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the
beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and
a slower tempo promoting a calm and meditative state.The changes in the brain

waves brings about changes in other bodily functions as well. Breathing and heart
rate can be altered by music. That may be one of the reasons why listening to music
promotes relaxation and prevents the effects of chronic stress.
The photo shown below was taken on 25th Aug.2005. The quartet of one- and twoday-old babies listen to classical music as part of an experimental program. Doctors
at Kosice-Saca Hospital, the first private hospital in Slovakia, believe that music
therapy helps newborns reduce stress and stay healthy. Shortly after birth, infants
receive five 20-minute music sessions each day. Doctors found that while the tikes
are tuned in, most of them fall asleep or lie quietly.

Effect of Music Therapy on Cancer Patients

It is my deep ambition to develop music for use in the Pain and Palliative Wards to
get relief from PAIN . Experts say music reduces pain, and this is a proven
statement as Music cause the body to release endorphins (hormones that
counteract pain).
A Music Therapy program has the potential to improve a cancer patients physical
and emotional well-being by providing a distraction during treatment, thus
decreasing stress, pain, and anxiety levels. Eighty percent (80%) of cancer patients
will sense their stress, pain, and anxiety levels decreased because they participated
in Music Therapy.
Effect of Saptaswaras and Chakra Meditation

The physical body is ensheathed by auric field in which seven major chakras
(invisible to the naked eye) are present. The seven chakras are Sahasrara, Ajna,
Vishudhi, Anahatha, Manipura, Swadhistana and Mooladhara. Each chakra is
associated with an endocrine gland and controls specific organs. Each swara
resonates with one major chakra. When each note is sung concentrating on the
shruthi, vibration of the corresponding chakra can be experienced. According to an
ancient Indian text, Swara Sastra, the seventy-two melakarta ragas (parent ragas)
control the 72 important nerves in the body. It is believed that if one sings with due
devotion, adhering to the raga lakshana (norms) and sruti shuddhi, (pitch purity) the
raga could affect the particular nerve in the body in a favourable manner. The
vibration of the notes activate a chakra and through the nadis emanating from the
chakras, the organ at the side of the disease begins the healing process.
Learning Music at a young age
Music is basically a sound or nada generating particular vibrations which moves
through the medium of ether present in the atmosphere and affects the human
system. So music is a power or universal energy in the form of ragas. Enhanced
vibration of seven major chakras keeps the mind and body in good health. It
increases concentration, memory, makes the mind disciplined and spiritual. Music
can be a cure if the singer/listener choses the raga based on which chakras he
wants to concentrate on. Hence while singing/listening, based on the dominant
swaras in that raga, the corresponding chakras vibrate more. The singer/listener
should concentrate on the chakra while singing/listening. Teaching music at the
tender age has several advantages. The child is born with all the chakras. But it is
the Mooladhara chakra, which starts functioning even at birth. As the child grows,
the other 6 chakras start functioning one by one from Mooladhara to Sahasrara
chakra and by 21 years, the development process is complete. So teaching music at
a young age purifies the body, mind and soul and lays the foundation for a healthy
future. Academic brilliance and morality are automatically inculcated in such
children. To make our children lead a healthy life, teach them music at a tender age
and make it part of curriculum. Music is also one form of meditation, which
enhances the power of chakras by raising Kundalini shakthi.
Symphonies of raga have a definite soothing effect on the mind as well as on the
body. Repeated listening to the particular raga being chosen for a particular disease
produces a network of sound vibration. Energy from URF (universal energy field) to
HEF(human energy field) transmitted by the strokes of the different tones of raga
affects the CNS (Central nervous system) because the roots of the auditory nerves
are more widely distributed and have more connections than any other nerves in
the body.
Sapthaswaras and Saptha Chakras

The ascending and descending order in which the swaras is sung is called arohanam
and avarohanam. Sa shadjam is the basic note of all ragas. It is not only the inter
relationship between the notes that define a raga but also the relationship of these
notes to the basic note (aadhara shadjam). A noteworthy feature is, even though
the raga is built on the basis of a sequence of swaras, the drone of the tambura will
be spelling out the aadhara shadja all the time, loud and clear so that the reliance is
constantly maintained. So there cannot be a raga without the aadhara shadja. So
this shadjam increases the vibration of the mooladhara chakra which is for
survival. Kundalini shakthi shakhti in coiled form exists at the tip of the backbone.
Increased vibrations of Mooladhara chakra by repeating Shadjam raises kundalini
shakthi. Once Kundalini shakthi is awakened, the energy starts moving through
shushumna nadi (spinal cord) towards the sahasrara chakra where Lord Shiva
resides. For smooth passage of the shakthi, each note is sung in ascending order
(as in arohanam). Then Sa raises kundalini shakthi at mooladara chakra , Ri
back swadhishtana chakra , Ga back manipura chakra, Ma- back
anahatha chakra, Pa back vishudhi chakra, Dha back ajna chakra, Ni
sahasrara chakra, Sa cosmos. Now Avarohanam, notes sung in descending
order connects cosmos and reinforces lord shivas shakthi at the sahasrara chakra
and the combined shiva shakti circulates through front chakras increases the divine
power in corresponding chakras ie..Sa- Cosmos, Ni sahasrara chakra, Dha- Ajna
chakra, Pa Vishudhi chakra, Ma-Anahatha chakra, Ga- manipura chakra, Ri
swadhishtana chakra, Sa Mooladhara chakra and Ni- Mother earth. This swara
garland by singing makes the body receive the energy from mother earth (ni lower
octave) and Cosmos,( sa at upper octave). While sitting on the ground, energy from
the mother earth reaches the mooladhara chakra increasing its vibration, which is
solely for the survival.
Within the set of swaras, some play a major role and some less. There are some
swaras which dominate and stay persistently -nyasa swaras. There are some ragas
which have a special impact if they are initiated at a certain specific swaras. For
instanse, a raga like Atana generally commences at the higher octave with the
combination of the swaras sa ri sa ni sa dha dha; or raga like anandhabhairaviin
the middle octave with the swaras pa dha pa ma dha pa ma pa ma ga ri ga. or
ritigowla with ni dha ma ga ri ga. Jiva swaras which lends life should be highlighted.
They are the dhivata in Atana, antara gandhara in kalyani, madhyama and
gandhara in hindola.
How Music Helps ?
Research has shown that music has a profound effect on body and mind
Brain waves: Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in
sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert
thinking, and a slower tempo promoting a calm and meditative state.

Breathing and heart rate: The changes in the brain waves brings about changes
in other bodily functions as well. Breathing and heart rate can be altered by music.
That may be one of the reasons why listening to music promotes relaxation and
prevents the effects of chronic stress.
State of mind: Music is very much useful in warding off depression and anxiety.
Thus, music promotes emotional well being and in maintaining positive mental
health.
Is there any particular raga which has brought down the illness of a particular
patient to a remarkable level? The answer is YES.
Hypertension
Yes. Anandabhairavi raga is said to be proved to bring down the BP level.
The real life demonstration was done by the Late Great Violin Mastreo Sri.
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. He was once preparing to show the remedial power of
Ananda Bhairavi. The great poet Kannadasan had challenged in public to test his
blood pressure after hearing Ananda Bhairavi from the great musicians violin. But
Kannadasan who promised to preside over a function became ill with hypertension.
Cajoled by the organisers he reluctantly came to the function and requested Sri.
Kunnakudi Vaidynathan to render any raga, which could soothe him. The great
musician played Ananda Bhairavi elaborately. At the close of the concert,
Kannadasan came up to the dais and announced that he was feeling much better.
Ananda Bhairavi has such soothing effect.
Mental Illness
The power of Sankarabaranam 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. Similarly DarbariKanada and Mohanam also helps
to soothe turbulent mind and migraine headaches.
Diabetes
Activation Of The Manipooraka Chakra To Stimulate Secretion Of Insulin Raga
Bageshree, Chandrakauns.
There is a growing awareness that ragas could be a safe alternative for many
medical interventions. Music improves the immunity of the body. It has been
observed that medical treatment with Music Therapy has reduced the intake of
antibiotics and pain killers over a period of time. Simple iterative musical rhythms
with low pitched swaras, as in bhajans and kirtans are the time-tested sedatives.
Music will help improving human SOUL for collaborative learning for total life. SOUL
will be grown by See, Observe, Understand, and Learn from human nature including

sound with sense. It is necessary that a group of exponents in Indian ragas join
experts in medical field to help evolving a scientific system of raga therapy for the
most common illness of the modern times: Stress and Stress-Related Disorders and
Cancer.