Music is an integrative therapy for better health

In ancient scripture music has been called as “Shabda-Brahma, Nad – Brahma”. Rightly composed music has tremendous effects on body and mind of the singer as well as the listener. The concept of music as healing is as ancient as music itself. In Samaveda methods of using music and specific ragas for curing various diseases has been described. In Bhaisaja Tantra Ashwini Kumar have described four different ways of treating particular ailments, namely; pavankaus, jalaukas, vanaukas, and sabdik. The meaning of sabdik treatment is related to the use of sound mantra and rhythmic music. Karnik Prabha by kaunch Muni, shabda kautuhal by Mainda Muni have given detailed description of how disease can be cured by use of sound emanated from different musical instruments like Veena, Sitar, Conch, Mridung, BugleCymbals and others. Music is full of life giving energy and id rightly harnessed, can prove to be very beneficial for improving health and curing diseases. Let’s focus on modern perspective of this regards.

American musician Billy Joel has rightly said “I think music itself is a healing. It is an explosive expression of humanity. It is something we all are touched by. No matter what culture we are from we all are connected with music.” The each element of music- rhythm, melody etc, invigorate our body, minds and soul. This is what makes it possible treat disease. Eminent scientist V.V. Gardner, in his research article on ‘Music Therapy’ has written that music influences the nervous system, respiratory system, circulation system and endocrine system. Music has deep connection with physiological system of human body. 

                                                             Courtesy: jordantimes.com

Investigator from McGill University in Canada found in 2011, that listening the music increases the amount of Dopamine in the brain, a neuro-modulatory and mood enhancing chemical and neurotransmitter, thus it can serve as best treatment for the depression and parkinsonism.

In 2015, a newsletter ‘Medical News Today’ reported on a study led by Brunrl University in the UK that suggests music may reduce pain and anxiety for patient who has undergone for surgery, by analyzing 72 randomized controlled trials involving more than 7000 patients who received surgery, researchers found those who were played music after their surgery reported fewer pain and anxiety than those who did not listen the music, and they were also less likely to need medication for pain. This effect was even stringer for the patients who got to choose the music they listen to.

The study leader Dr. Catharine Meads said; “If music was drug, it’d be marketable. Music is noninvasive, safe and feasible intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery. A. Modfredj, S. Alaya and other have reviewed in the Journal of Critical Care( Vol 35, Pg. 195, 2016) the potential therapeutic benefits of music therapy for the critically ill. They elaborate; anxiety can impose harmful effects on the course of recovery and over all well-being of the patient, resulting adverse effects may prolong weaning and recovery time. Listening music can abate the stress response, reduces anxiety during mechanical ventilation, and induce overall relaxation without the use of medications. This relaxation response has shown to lower cardiac workload and oxygen consumption resulting in more effective ventilation.

According to the American Psychiatric association, autism (a brain disorder) is a type of autism spectrum disorders. These disorders are associated with wide range of problems of communications, social interaction and as well as unusual repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often show a heightened interest and response towards music. There for music therapy can be used as establishment of normal behavior.

In elders with Alzheimer’s , dementia and other mental disorders music therapy has been found to reduce aggressive and agitated behavior, reduce symptoms of dementia and improve mood. Music therapy may also decrease the risk of heart and brain diseases in elderly dementia patients. Therefore, based on the substantial evidences that music offers numerous health benefits, many health experts are now advocating greater utilization of music therapy within health care centers.