Raga Chikitsa, an extinct Sanskrit treatise, as its name implies dealt with curative ragas and suggested specific ragas with specific therapeutic and mood enhancing characteristics suggested to be used in clinical settings are still more to be tested and validated. (Varadalakshmi, 1948),(Sairam, 2005).
(Sairam, 2006) in his study on designing training methods for the mentally retarded (MR) children prescribed baseline rules for treating MR children as – (1) Beta music with rapid fire orchestral rhythms to activate participation and anger management, to gear up physiological activities and alertness in mind, (2) Alpha music without rhythms to induce relaxation and (3) repeated rhythmic experience to regulate the wavering emotions and to bring regularity by his experimental observations during music therapy sessions with mentally retarded children.
A modified version of the earlier documented raga chikitsa approach evolved by the author using Carnatic ragas for music therapy intervention could be used in clinical set ups ( Sumathy Sundar, 2006) catering to the individual needs of the clients, taking into consideration, factors like music preferences, the listening pattern, the socio-economic background and the level of exposure to classical music. The raga-based approach broadly involves application of musical pieces with a specific emphasis on swara patterns, embellishments and appropriate rhythms. This approach being both melodic and rhythm depends on the intended music function and the therapeutic objective identified.
Raga-s with swara-s having short or long intervals and different embellishments, could be chosen with the appropriate slow, medium or fast tempo, with or without technical virtuosity.
The applications would vary for different music functions identified a) audio analgesic, anxiolytic or sedative b) to be stimulating and energizing c) to be an active focus of attention etc.
Indian music therapy is an integration of ancient healing practices and musical traditions coupled with the recent modifications derived based on the modern day practice and the knowledge gained by current clinical studies undertaken. Indian music therapy is based on long empirical traditions not proven in the western sense of empiricism but it is unique and is cultural and throws open great scope for further prove and studies.
Music is a universal language. It influences all levels of human existence. It is a medium for communication, which can be both a pleasant and healing experience. Modern science and medicine are now rediscovering the healing powers of music. And various ragas in Hindustani & Karnataka treating persons with special needs in mental and physical health, rehabilitation and special education is gaining ground. It is a great ancient holistic medical science of India.
The whole subject of music medical therapy is now getting attention from all across the world and we are happy to repackage and bring this to you.
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