Indian
music has seven notes or swaras / vibes; Shadjamam (षडज्),
Rishabham (ऋषभ), Gandharam (गांधार),
Madhyamam (मध्यम), Panchamam (पंचम),
Dhivatham (धैवत) and Nishadham (निषाद)
(Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da and Ne). A raga is a mystical musical form with a
distinctive character. Music is a powerful tool for conveying thoughts and
feelings through elements like rhythm, melody, tones, harmony, and
vocalizations. This is especially true when a musician takes on the
multifaceted roles of songwriter, composer, singer, and instrumentalist.
Music is a powerful emotional experience. For right-handed individuals, the left side of the brain processes the lyrics, while the right side focuses on melodies and rhythm. Instrumental music primarily activates the right brain, while vocal music with lyrics involves both sides. Listening to music can trigger biochemical reactions, leading to the release of happiness hormones like serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. This can result in feelings of healing, increased energy, and self-love.
ब्रह्मप्रणवसंधान नादो ज्योतिर्मयः
शिवः
स्वयमाविर्भ-वेदात्मा मेधापायेंऽशुमानिव
सिद्धासने स्थितो योगी मुद्रां संधाय वैष्णवीम् श्रृणुयाद्दक्षिणे कर्णे नादमन्तर्गतं सदा अभ्यस्यमानो नादोऽयं
बाह्यामावृणुते ध्वनिम् पक्षाद्विपक्षमखिलं जित्वा तुर्यपदं
व्रजेत् ।
(नादबिंदूपनिषद्
30-31-32/
54/114)
(Just as each disease is linked to a specific planet, similarly, every
musical note and raga in Indian music is definitely related to a
particular planet. If a person is suffering from a disease related to a
particular planet and he is made to listen to a raga, tune or song related to
that planet, then the person gets cured soon).
Music therapy is a well-established form of therapy that can address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social issues. Music has been demonstrated to lower heart rate and blood pressure, and to promote overall relaxation of stress hormones, leading to decreased anxiety and improved mood. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a key antibody in our initial immune defence. Listening to music can promote relaxation by calming the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic bodily functions. This can improve sleep by slowing breathing, stabilizing heart rate, and reducing blood pressure.
