The Magic of Music

Gitasree Goswami

(The writer is a PhD research scholar at the College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. She may be reached at goswamigitasree@gmail.com)

The drops of rains, the singing of birds, the gush of winds, the vibration of sea waves, the murmur of tree leaves, the rays from our surrounding, the rhythms of musical gadgets – all have the magic to mesmerize every organ of the human body.

Perceiving rhythm is the ability that comes to human beings in the mother’s womb itself. Though music is generally regarded as a means of entertainment, but in medical science, music therapy is a professional healthcare practice towards addressing health issues and improving the quality of life of the person concerned.

Neuroscience research proves that 72 melakarta ragas (parent ragas) of Indian classical music control the 72,000 important nerves in the human body.

Music therapy practice has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. It is used in hospitals to help cancer patients, children with disabilities, the elderly, and those grappling with stress, depression and anxiety. Music evokes past experiences in the brain. People who have symptoms such as memory loss show improvement in remembering things after music therapy sessions.

Some music therapy sessions are done in groups. This encourages the participating individuals to share their life experiences with others and feel relief. People with speech disorder practise music therapy to talk fluently.

Music induces emotions in human beings. Sometimes the brain fails to perform its function properly. Playing with a rhythmic beat helps the brain control body movements. The brain, in coordination with our body parts, activates the muscles that have problems in moving with acute and chronic pain, brain injuries and physical disabilities.

Music helps people experience emotions like sadness, anger and fear. Studies have proved that listening to music promotes the immune system and defends our bodies against viruses. It is useful in the treatment of asthma, low blood pressure, cold and headache, and blood purification too.

We can feel the difference in our myriad moods with a positive emotional response while listening to music. Music reduces our pain and makes us enabled to express without words, while also offering us smooth relaxation through singing, playing instruments, writing songs, or even just listening.

In human life, the magic of music guides us to negotiate with our restlessness as we continually struggle with our day-to-day problems, and thus encourages us to lead a life brimming with positive emotions and responses.