All World
Gayatri Pariwar

It is only the activity of the tongue, lips, palate and the tiny components of the vocal cord that produces voice as we all experience in our routine conversation.  However, the same voice needs to be stretched and varied rhythmically when used for singing.  The force applied for the stretching and rising of voice also strengthens some organs including the intestines, liver, stomach, heart, lungs, throat and palate by inducing an extra flow of vital energy through them.  

The above exercise, especially in the practice of the classical ragas also activates the flow of some kind of bio (neuronal) electricity from the navel center in the upward direction.  This current oscillates between the navel and the Brahmrandhras and not only makes possible the generation of different swaras but also quivers the extrasensory energy centers like the SHaTH cakras, uptyikas and the three granthis on its way.  Thus, singing serves the dual purpose of inspiring inner emotions and of massaging the internal and subtle components of the body which, if activated, could be used for awakening latent occult energy centers. The practice of classical vocal music is therefore also referred as a yoga exercise.

There are three gatis (speeds) which are fundamental in classical singing; these are classified as – Druta, Vila®bita and Madhayama.   The druta corresponds to singing at a rhythmic but a fast pace.  The tongue, throat, chest and heart are subjected to good exercise in its practice. The vila®bita type involves stretching of the swaras. Singing in this mode opens the windpipe and strengthens the vocal cord.  The madhyama gati implies singing at one's natural frequency.  This generates soft and slow vibrations in the neurons, nerves, arteries and the heart.  

Playing musical instruments also involves rhythmic and synchronous movements of different components of the body.  The head, neck, shoulders, chest, lungs and stomach are most benefited by the practice of soft music on instruments. Practicing instruments like the flute and shahanaº is equivalent to classical singing with respect to the positive effects of harmonized breathing and prañayama on the physical and mental health.     

The human body is described as made up of five basic elements.  The theories of Âyurveda indicate that the tendencies of these elements vary according to the level of vata, pitta and kapha.  The principles of Yunanº (Greek) medicine rely on controlling the diseased state of the body by balancing the variation of the natural tendencies of avº, vadº and ravadº. The biochemical theories define twelve different salts (ionic compounds) as fundamental in conducting the healthy functions of the basic components of the body.   Homeopathy describes the level of some poisonous substances inside the body to be of basic importance. The Greek and Tibetan therapies, like the Ayurvedic methods of treatment, are based on the systematic use of fresh herbs, minerals and plants that sprout from the ground. The methods of Chromopathy (surya cikitsa) are based on the consideration that the haphazard variation and imbalance in the presence of the seven colors (of the sunlight) are responsible for the occurrence of diseases and disorders.

According to the swara shastra, the seven subtle nadas immanent in the human body and mind govern all physical, biological and mental activities.  The use of music as a therapy is based on the principles of this shastra.  This method involves identification of the appropriate compositions of the basic swaras whose practice (through vocal or instrumental support) would be most suitable for controlling a particular physiological or psychosomatic disorder. If the vocal and instrumental music, being practiced or listened regularly, is perfect in terms of the classical (shastric) principles then it can certainly be used as an effective mode of treatment and maintenance of total health.  Systematic research in this regard has made a path-breaking progress in past few decades.     

Dr. Harls Ashley, an American expert of the music-based therapy, has worked hard to systematize the modes of its applications.  He has successfully used this therapy for about 20 years to treat patients of different diseases.  He estimates that the number of patients fully cured by this therapy is larger than that by allopathy. The music-based mode of treatment is supposed to be the best for tackling the disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Johan Schumilyn has also conducted many experiments in the Gottingtun City of Germany using music as a therapy.  His conclusions imply that not only the humans but even the animals could also be relieved from many painful diseases by making proper use of musical treatments.

Ample examples of the use of music as a therapy exist in the history of India and other countries. The holy Bible also makes mention of the therapeutic applications of music; it describes of a musician named David Harp who had cured the incurable disease of king Saal with the help of his excellent art of playing musical instruments. According to Homer, a dreaded disease of Ulysses was also cured by the effect of music.  The ancient physicians of Egypt used to chant some hymns while treating their patients with medicines.  Many tribal communities in Africa are well known for their expertise in curing some diseases by making special musical sounds through the mouth.

The ancient Egyptian treatise entitled ‘Medicale Pepirº’ cites the use of music for increasing the reproductive capabilities of women and of some domestic animals.   In one of his books, a musician called Timthias has mentioned a historical incident – “One day when Alexander the Great became unconscious and no remedy was working on him then a lyre was played near him to successfully bring him back to the normal state”. The history of German music is also quite old. The inscription on one of its old musical instruments states – “When all medicines and other remedies are found to be ineffective in removing the pains and agonies, music alone provides good support and solution”.  

There is a separate wing for the teaching of music based therapies in the Karl M. Bon Waiver Music College of (East) Germany.  Music has been used there in curing a variety of diseases ranging from high fever to several cardiac ailments.  Music is also found useful by the doctors there in giving painless treatments in dentistry. Some expert gynecologists in Germany have conducted successful experiments in offering musical effects for relief from labor pains at the time of childbirth.   Many maternity homes in Germany have arrangements to play the records of special musical tunes composed by Mozart.  In all ages, all over the world, music has been affirmed to be an excellent remedy for fear, tension and mental weakness.

The modern times have witnessed a new trend in psychological problems and their treatments.  The sonic flow of music is now given significant importance in the treatment of psychological and psychiatric disorders.  Most of the mental hospitals in the western countries are well equipped with the facilities to play special musical tunes.  The cranky or insane patients easily get emotionally absorbed in the flow of music. This helps reduce their mental excitation and offers soothing effects on their nervous system.

The mudras (poses) of classical dances, performed along with suitable ragas of music multiply the positive effects of the dance when the feet of the dancer(s) vibrate in tune with the tinkling of the ghunghr¿ (cluster of tiny bells worn around the ankles).  The dancer(s) as well as the viewers feel as though they are floating in a heavenly stream of joy.  All the tensions and worries of the mind are removed in this process and the state of the mind gets clear, stable and calm.  The movements of the limbs and other parts of the gross body due to the dancing, and the vibrations of its subtle components caused by the sound of music create mutually complementary effect.

As such the art of dancing has its own independent schools, but it cannot remain aloof from music.  Singing and instrumental music, although two different branches of the music, are mutually complementary like the grammar and literature of any language.  Dancing is the third component in this series. The combination of these three generates very specific prañayama – an exercise of the vital energy vibrations by which the mental and physical health, beauty and charm could be maintained at an elevated level.

The psychological impact of music has always been more prominent as compared to the physical or physiological. The use of special-effect music to stimulate the valor of the soldiers during wartime has been in existence since the time of yore.  The great battle of Mahabharat had begun with the sound of the Pancajanya SHa®kha of Lord K—aSHña.  Historical descriptions show that instruments like bugles, drums, lyres, timbrels, cymbals, etc used to be essential components of the army bands until the medieval centuries. The present century has gone several steps ahead in this direction.  The bands of the armies now consist of high-tech instruments for a variety of sonic effects. These include – the special musical effects that would trigger even the cowards and the scared ones with an adventurous zeal of ‘do or die’; or, that could do just the opposite by creating hypnotizing effects of depression and dullness in the minds of opponents.  It is up to us how we, the intelligent beings, would like to activate and use the hidden supernormal healing powers of music.