Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 4, Number 4 (2017), 1-9
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
www.aryapgcollege.com

Music and Spirituality: A Mode of Stress Management

Introduction

Music is language of universe. Music itself is a phenomenon that creates unity in diversity. Music itself is a language but paradoxically understands no language. Language, political, cultural, social and geographical boundaries are not valid for music. To justify this, the lines from Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper” can be quoted:

“Whatever the theme, the maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending
I saw her singing at her work,-------”1

Though the poet does not understand the language in which the reaper sings, it still enjoys the beauty and the melody of the voice and tone. Here words and their comprehensibility are no longer a constraint for enjoying a piece. Hence, it is demonstrated that music knows no boundaries. It is in true sense transnational. Amidst the chaos of cross culture and language conflicts, it is fluidity of music that gives it the freedom to mix in any culture and become transnational.

Music and its Origin

The philosophy of Indian music took its origin from the concept of Nada Brahma –which means that the whole universe was created from the energy of sound that exists in the beginning. The sacred syllable “OM” embodies the essence of the universe – it is the “hum” of the atoms and the music of the spheres –and sound in general that represents the primal energy that holds the material world together. Nada brahma is a primal word in Indian spirituality, a primal word that also refers to India’s great classical music. Since the most ancient times, music in India has been practiced as a spiritual science and art, a means to enlightenment. Sangeet, which originally meant drama, music and dance, was closely associated with religion and philosophy. At first it was interwoven with ritualistic and devotional side of religious life. The recital and chants of mantras has been essential element of Vedic rituals throughout the centuries. According to Indian philosophy, the ultimate goal of human existence is moksha, liberation of ataman from the life -cycle, or spiritual enlightenment; and nadopasana (literally, the worship sound) is taught as an important means for teaching this goal. The highest musical experience is ananda, the “divine bliss.” This devotional approach to music is a significant feature of Indian culture. The two types of nada: musical and unmusical sound. Both these types can be created by any sudden and enthusiastic wave and energy. When such a wave becomes irregular, it is known as unmusical sound or noise. It has immense variety according to the nature of the cause. However when the motion of a sound is habitually repeated at equal and small intervals of time, it is known as musical sound. The unclear and noisy nature is lost making the sound more uniform and agreeable.

Thus Indian music deals with realization of Nada. Music Ahata (struck) and Anahata (un-struck) are the two varieties of Nada. Ahata Nada is an output of the union of Prana and Agni. Anahata Nada is the inner sound that travels from the navel to the throat. Anahata Nada permeates the entire universe through inhaling and exhaling. In other words, Ahata Nada is used in music and Anahat Nada is used by yoga for meditation as yoga deals with realization of Anahat Nada- the sublime sound (extrasensory vibrations) of eternal force of cosmic consciousness. Music pertains to the perception and expression of the infinite spectrum of the rhythmic flow of the Ahata Nada (perceivable sonic currents) pervading in nature. Both have direct impact on the Shat Chakras hidden along the endocrine column and hence affect our physical as well as subtle bodies.

Since the most ancient times, music in India has been practiced as a spiritual science and art- a mean of enlightenment. At first, it was interwoven with the ritualistic and devotional side of religious life. The recital and chants of mantras were considered to be mool mantras of living happy life.

What is Spirituality?

Another important fact that is considered to be the soul of music is its spiritual aspect. Spirituality has many definitions, but at its core, spirituality helps to give life context. It's not necessarily connected to a specific belief system or even religious worship. Instead, it arises from one’s connection with oneself and with others, the development of personal value system, and search for meaning in life. For many, spirituality takes the form of religious observance, prayer, meditation or a belief in a higher power. For others, it can be found in nature, music, art or a secular community. The meaning of spirituality is different for everyone. A key component of spirituality is self-reflection, and prayer. Meditation and relaxation are techniques to help focused thoughts and find peace of mind. Staying connected to our inner spirit and the lives of those around us can enhance the quality of life, both mentally and physically. The personal concept of spirituality may change with age and life experiences, but it always forms the basis of one’s well-being, helps to cope with stressors large and small, and affirms our purpose in life.

The origin of music lies in the cultural and spiritual values of our country. During Vedic period, music was handed down orally from Guru to the Shishya (disciple). The art of music was regarded as holy and heavenly. It not only gave aesthetic pleasure but introduced a joyful religious discipline. Devotional music was intended to take man towards God and give him an inner happiness and self-realization. Music is an age-old part of Ayurveda, the holistic science that promotes a happy and healthy lifestyle. The Samveda is full of music. It claims that the doshas like Vata, Pitta, and Kaphacan be controlled effectively by Music therapy.

Long before acoustics came to be understood in Europe as a subject of study, the ancient Arabs, Greek and Indian civilization were already familiar with the therapeutic role of sounds and vibration and the later day concepts pertaining to them.

The ancient system of Nad Yoga, which dates back to the time of Tantras, has fully acknowledged the impact of music on body and mind and put into practice the vibrations emanating from sounds to uplift one's level of consciousness. It is the Indian genius that recognized that ragas are not just mere commodities of entertainment but the vibrations in their resonance could synchronize with one's moods and health. By stimulating the moods and controlling the brain wave patterns, ragas could work as a complementary medicine. In other words music has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses and restore harmony between mind and body in India.

The immense potential of the power of Shabda (cosmic flow of sound) hidden in music was well recognized by the ancient Indian sages and they had devised several musical patterns emanating from the Omkara for chanting of the Vedic hymns and for distinct spiritual effects. The Shastric schools of music discovered musical octave (sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni, sa) in dwelling in the subtle sounds of nature and invented the basic classical ragas for activating specific streams of natural powers and effects and generated consequently a wide variety of musical compositions. Ever since music has been an integral part of human culture with varied applications and forms. Despite its degeneration into the noisy and destructive kinds of so-called modern music, the creative and soothing role of music has not lost its prominence.

Historic References on Music Therapy

The ancient Hindus had relied on music for its curative role: the chanting and toning involved in Veda Mantras in praise of God have been used from time immemorial as a cure for several disharmonies in the individual as well as his environment. Several sects of ‘bhakti’ such as Chaitanya sampradaya and Vallabha sampradaya have all accorded priority to music

The great composers of classical music in India called the Musical Trinity who were curiously the contemporaries of the Trinity of Western Classical Music (Bach, Beethoven and Mozart) were quite sensitive to the acoustical energies. Saint Tyagaraja brought a dead person back to life with his Bilahari composition NaaJiva Dhaara. Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Navagrihakriti is believed to cure stomach ache. Shyama Sastry’s composition Duru Sugu uses music to pray for good health

Music as a Powerful Tool

Stress is unavoidable consequence of life. Music is a powerful tool that can switch off the stress response and in turn improves the emotional health. Whether one listens to, plays or sings, it doesn’t matter. All of its types have proven benefits. Music Therapy uses music to promote healing and improving one’s overall emotional well- being. This may include listening to music, playing a musical instrument, singing along to music, and using guided imagery with music. Research indicates that music stimulates the production of the feel good hormones in our bodies. This stimulation can result in improved blood flow and blood pressure. Music is always near the top of everyone’s list of temporary diversions from stressful or anxiety producing situations. Classical music, semi-classical, folk music, film music, Sufi music etc., can serve to make one feel better.

How to Use Music to Relieve Stress

Music is popular because it has the ability to aid people in a quest to feel good. It can help make anyone feel happy and relaxed. One of the best reasons to listen to music is to relieve stress. Whether over worked and in need of relaxation or suffering from a relationship breakup or grief, listening to music can leave one feeling calm and stress free, providing one with welcome relief. It is proved in medical science that music achieves such a calming response that helps to slow down a listener’s palpitating heart. For example: When we feel stressed, one of the physical reactions we probably experience will be a racing heartbeat, otherwise known as palpitations. Other symptoms may follow, such as rapid breathing and emotional anxiety. Music can also leave one breathing more deeply and making breaths longer, and slower. The physical reactions which music alters also help to alter emotions and ultimately reduce stress.

The best music to relax is that which we really enjoy and that may have positive associations. It can also help if we listen to gentle, mellow music that has a slow beat. Listening to stringed instruments can be very soothing. Lighter toned instruments (Flute and the human voice) also play an important role in stress relief.

In other words music can be used to relieve stress by choosing soothing sounds to listen to which make us feel at peace with the world and with oneself. Listening regularly to gentle music can be used as part of a larger stress reduction plan or be utilized whenever one feels the urge to unwind and let go of stress and worries.

There would be more benefits from music therapy when it is used not as an end product, but as a tool for health and well-being. Many studies have shown that listening to or playing music reduced the prevalence of burn-out among nursing students and long-term healthcare workers. Another small study showed that music can be effective in improving the behaviour and school performance of inner-city, at-risk youth.

The Power of Music to Reduce Stress

Listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions e.g. slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. When people are much stressed, there is a tendency to avoid actively listening to music. Perhaps it feels like a waste of time, not helping to achieve anything. But as we know, productivity increases when stress is reduced. Music can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children. It encourages coordination and communication, so improves their quality of life.

How can Music Help with Stress Relief?

Music has been used to treat illnesses and restore harmony between mind and body. But recently, scientific studies have attempted to measure the potential benefits of music e.g.

• Listening to music on headphones reduces stress and anxiety in hospital patients before and after surgery.

• Music can help reduce both the sensation and distress of both chronic pain and post-operative pain.

• Listening to music can relieve depression and increase self-esteem ratings in elderly people.

• Making music can reduce burnout and improve mood among nursing students.

• Music therapy significantly reduces emotional distress and boosts quality of life among adult cancer patients.

To incorporate music into a busy life, try playing CDs in the car, or put the radio on when in the bath or shower. Take portable music with you when walking the dog, or put the stereo on instead of the TV. Singing (or shouting) alone can also act as a great release of tension, and karaoke is very enjoyable for some extroverts! Calming music before bedtime promotes peace and relaxation and helps to induce relaxation and sleep.

Raga Therapy (Chakitsa)

Raga is referred to as a miracle of microtones and the swaras can range between 5 to7 which cover 22 shruti’s in an octave. The flexibility in Indian music provides the performer an opportunity to osculate swaras, which is where Raga music plays the therapeutic role. Overtime the raga music therapy system can trim a person’s mind and their behavioural pattern. Every listener will have a connection to their favourite raga emotionally and physically (nod of the head). The list below provides ragas which can assist in defusing certain diseases. The awareness of Raga Therapy is growing in society. Research has embarked to re-discover the therapeutic ragas on a trial and error basis.

Raga therapy was an ancient manuscript, which dealt with the therapeutic effects of raga. The library at Thanjavur is reported to contain such a treasure on ragas that spells out the application and use of various ragas in fighting common ailments.

The Various Ragas according to Raga Therapy for Curing Ailments are:

• Hindol helps in curing arthritis, due to its vibrations and swinging nature (Meends).

• Madhmadh Sarang-helps in curing acidity, due to its ability to generate heat (fighting fire by fire).

• Todi due to its contemplative and melodious nature cures many ailments like acidity, diabetes etc.

• Darbari Kanada Pooriya due to its contemplative and plaintive nature can be used as treatment for depression and insomnia.

• Bageshree and Abhogi both being sweet and melodious ragas have a somniatic effect and are used against insomnia.

• Malkauns-An audavraga is used for low blood pressure.

• Miyan Malhar due to the andolita nature can be used for asthma cure.

• Puriya Dhanashri-A sandhiprakash raga has widely been known to have the ability to act on high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Bhimpalasi-Its focus on the madhyam makes it a very evocative raga, and it is useful for aiding.

• Marva- It controls the fever.

The rest of the ragas (Shree, Yaman, Marwa) are wonderful as listeningaids for stress relaxation

The Raga Research Center in Chennai, India is currently making a comprehensive study of Indian ragas and evaluating their therapeutic potential with the help of Musicians, Doctors and Psychiatrists. It is believed that classical Indian Ragas can benefit a whole host of conditions ranging from insomnia, high and low blood pressure. It is believed that music can play an effective role in helping us lead better and fruitful life. Listening to specific music for specific disease can do wonder.

The Bhatkhande Music Institute, under the guidance of Pandit Shashank Katti has been doing research on music and its application on the patients with the help of experienced doctors. He is said to be remarkably successful in treating patients with arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, migraine, insomnia and depression. There is a growing awareness that ragas could be a safe alternative for many medical interventions

Conclusion

Music and Spirituality together have many benefits for stress relief and overall mental health. It can help one to feel a sense of purpose, connected to the world, expand support network and lead healthier life. Spirituality can lead to a clearer life purpose, better personal relationships and enhanced stress management skills.

References

Chaterji S (1969) Music Therapy. Calcutta: Ghosh Publication.
Khurana S (1982) Sangeet Chakitsa. Delhi: Prem Pustakalya.
Nadkarni N (1979) Healing By Music. Pune: Tara Parkashan.
Singh SP (1972) Musical Notes and their Psychological Impact. Jalandhar: Kapoor & Sons.