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 naval center in the upward direction. This current oscillates between the naval and the Brahmrandhras and not only makes possible the generation of different swaras but, also quivers the extra sensory energy centers like the sat 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 spiritual powers. 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, Vilambita} 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 vilambita 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 cooperative 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 sahanai is equivalent to classical singing with respect to the positive effects of harmonized breathing and pranayama 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 kafa. The principles of Yunani (Greek) medicine rely on controlling the diseased state of the body by balancing the variation of the natural tendencies of avi, vadi and ravadi. 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 Tibbitts 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) is responsible for the occurrence of diseases and disorders.
According to the swara sastra, 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 sastra. 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 some path breaking progress since 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 the patients of different diseases. He has found that the number of patients fully cured by this therapy is larger than that by the Allopathy. The music-based mode of treatment is supposed to be the best support against the problems concerning 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, 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 mentions of the therapeutic applications of music; it describes of a musician named David Harp who had cured the incurable disease of the king Saal with the help of his excellent art of playing musical instruments. According to Homer, a dreaded disease of Ulysses was also eradicated by the effect of music. The ancient doctors 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 mouth.
The ancient Egyptian treatise entitled ‘Medicale Pepiri’ 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 in the normal state”. The history of the 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 here in curing a variety of diseases ranging from high fever to several cardiac ailments. Music is also found useful by the doctors here in giving painless treatments in dentistry. Some expert gynecologists in Germany have conducted successful experiments in offering musical effects for relief from the labor pains to the mothers at the time of childbirth. Many maternity homes in this country now have the 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 the damaging feelings of 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 the latter when the feet of the dancer(s) vibrate in tune with the tinkling of the ghunghrh11. 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 actions of 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 are although two different branches of the knowledge of music, they 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 pranayama– an exercise of the vital elements 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 the wartime has been in existence since the time of yore. The war of Mahabharat had begun with the sound of the Pancajanya Samkha of Lord Krishna. Historical descriptions show that the instruments like bugles, drums, lyres, timbrels, cymbals etc used to be essential components of the army bands until the early 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, the could do just the opposite by creating hypnotizing effects of depression and dullness in the minds of those targeted. It is up to us how we, the intelligent beings would like to activate and use the hidden supernormal powers of music.