Nature has thrown open a treasure house of rhythms and melodies in and around us, but we seem to be mostly unaware of them due to our preoccupation with the modern-day activities.
Our body and mind are blessed with healthy resonance and rhythms, without which we would have long been dead and gone, the disharmony in them is the major cause for all our ailments – both physiological and psychological. Being consciously aware of this harmony should go a long way in enjoying good health. Musicians are aware – though unconsciously – of the bodily rhythms when they sing or when they evolve a beat-pattern. Music thus connects us to our own rhythms and also with the world around, which follow the same pattern. The body recognizes and responds to the pulses of the music in no time.
The influence of sound in making patterns – intricate geometric figures and shapes – was the subject of study, cymatics, by Hans Jenny, a Swiss engineer. It was observed by him that by changing pitch, the harmonics of the tone and the material that is vibrating, infinite forms and shapes could be derived, which confirms the role of sound waves on cells, tissues and organs as well.
Based on such findings, a therapy system has been developed in recent years to medically address certain conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, back-pain, post-operative healing, sports injuries, bone fracture and muscular injuries. Besides pain reduction, these attempts are reports to help in improving one’s mobility.
Communication of feeling through musical expression is a technique which dates back to the days of appearance of man on the planet.
Lullabies sung by the mother, drums used by the tribesmen, songs sung by the tribesmen, songs sung by the boatman or the labourers, flute of a lover – are all laced with various nuances of feelings: despair, ecstasy, love, pain, passion, romance, wonder and what not. Music assumes its significance, especially where the verbal expression is inadequate to convey feelings.
Music has tremendous potential as a powerful tool to open up new possibilities for those who have suppressed emotions that cause great harm to the human personalities leading to severe behavioral problems. As emotions represent the ‘outgoing’ feelings, when music is combined, there is every chance of its outward moment, thus clearing the congestion and inhibition that block one’s emotional well-being, Music ranges from the subtle varieties to violent ones. It is also established beyond doubt that music imparts certain healthy mental and emotional patterns to its listeners, which stems from its own organization and pattern.
Such a pattern is akin to what we find in nature. Through entertainment of synchronization, music could lend a smooth, yet powerful vent for expression to the inexpressible, thereby relieving the individual from the harsh realities and dilemmas that he encounters in his life.
People who are marginalized and live in subhuman conditions may find themselves assertive and self-confident, thanks to music.
For the aged and the infirm, for the infants and the disabled, there cannot be a better supportive companion than music. It is scientifically established that musical input is supportive, not only to the human foetus but also to the premature infants for healthy development.
The ancient system of Raga Chikitsa refers to the application of raga to fight diseases of the body, mind and spirit. Innumerable scientific publications, especially from a multi-disciplinary body of musicologists, immunologists, neurologists and psychologists – have established beyond doubt the need for including music in our everyday living.
Terry Woodford, a producer of some ‘baby-go-to-sleep’ tapes claims that a randomized, researcher-blind, placebo pilot study, conducted in the Indiana University School of Nursing has scientifically evaluated his musical output.
It is reported that in the newborn nursery tests, 94% of infants have been successfully put to sleep with neither a bottle nor a pacifier. Explanation given by Woodford is that it is the basic principle involved in relaxation, which has a tendency to put the listeners to sleep. In his experiment, instead of drums, Woodford had employed the sound of a real human heart beat to produce the basic rhythm!
The therapeutic mechanism of music, although recognized for long, was not understood by science till recently. Though laude in legends and myths, we seemed to be still loitering in the early and controversial stage of this quest.
It is now heartening to note that the recent decades have witnessed an explosion of scientific information on the musical impact on mind and body, thanks to the giant strides made in neuro-imaging techniques, creating thus a new branch of science referred to as ‘neuromusicology’.
Though we are still at the very beginning of this quest and much additional research remains to be carried out to understand the prophylactic and therapeutic mechanism hidden in music, our direction is now clear.
In the coming years, one could hope that music would shed its image as a ‘quack’ medicine, and occupy the pride of place as a complementary medicine that goes hand in hand with anaesthesia, geriatrics, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, surgery.
Through music makes no promise, its importance as a companion for the sick, lonely and marginalized is well-recognized. It facilitates a healthy and fruitful dialogue, especially when you have no one to care for you or even to talk to you!
A healthy and positive attitude towards existence and life is guaranteed to anyone who cares to listen to it. It becomes a dependable strength behind you, when you feel helpless, depressed and dejected. It is the morale booster as it rejuvenates the mind, brings in sunshine and brilliance. Aaron Copland’s words, in this regard, should be written on gold: ’The greatest moments of the human spirit may be deduced from the greatest moments in music!’
This article was published in Bhavan’s Journal, May, 31, 2003, pages 78 to 80
Edited by Geeta Shreedar, Feb 22, 2021