Reverberation of ragas

Ragas are assigned a specific time of the day and are said to be most effective in those allotted times. “It is more pronounced in the Hindustani school of music than in the Carnatic system,” Mangala clarifies. For example, Raga Bilahari and Bowli are usually played in the mornings. Ragas Madhyamaavati and Multajni are supposed to be played in the afternoons, and Ragas Kalyani and Kambhoji in the evenings. Ragas are also associated with seasons. For example, Raga Sura Malhar is sung during the monsoon season. Raga Amrita Varshini is especially associated with rain. Vasant is the raga of springtime and Deepak the raga of summer.

This specific assignment of ragas to the time of the day and seasons is based on the premise that their very vibrations affect our doshas (life-force energies) – Vata (air and ether element), Pitta (fire and water element) and Kapha (earth and water element). A study titled An effect of Raga Therapy on our human body, published by the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, says, “Early morning is the natural kapha time for Ayurveda. A kapha-type person should be treated to an early morning raga like Bhairav, to cure physical imbalances.” It further states that during afternoons, pitta is dominant and that Raga Bilawal can be used during these hours to treat patients. Late afternoon and evening is vata time when Ragas Pooriya Dhanashri and Marwa can be used in the treatment. “It is very important, however, that the Ayurvedic constitution of the patient be kept in mind–as to whether he or she is a vata, pitta or kapha person”, the study emphasises.

Clearly, ragas are an established part of healing through music. Their benefits don’t stop at balancing doshas. Ragas also affect the energy flow through nadis (astral nerves). Swara Shastra, an old Indian text, states that the 72 melakarta (parent) ragas control 72 vital nerves in the human body. The ragas must be sung with due dedication, accuracy, and sruti shuddhi (purity of pitch) for their effect to be felt. For instance, if rendered accurately, Raga Todi is said to cure hypertension, and Raga Sahana helps one control anger issues. Ragas Kafi and Khamaj are said to cure sleep disorders. Ragas Hindolam and Vasantha give relief from gastritis and Raga Yaman from rheumatic arthritis.

To unravel the therapeutic effects of ragas, several modern-day researchers have started exploring raga chikitsa. Dr. Sumathy Sundar, the founder of Chennai School of Music Therapy, says, “We are striving to understand the ancient wisdom of raga therapy with the help of science and clinical knowledge.” While she concurs that raga chikitsa is still in a nascent stage, she believes this ancient healing practice has a lot to offer.

Most of us have grown up listening to one form of music or another. Attending concerts, listening to records and playing a favourite song on a loop are norms for any music lover. Therapeutic in nature, music inexplicably makes us feel relaxed and energised. Indian classical music, in particular, has been used as a form of therapy since ancient times. Music therapists believe that raga therapy brings about a sense of wellbeing.