God in your iPod

Music therapy is now being used to prevent nervous breakdowns or even divorce, says Geetanjali Jhala

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” the German poet and author, Berthold Auerbach once said. Melody and rhythmic vibrations work can just as well as prayers or meditation when you wish to connect with your inner self.

Irrespective of your tastes in music, songs can alleviate your mood — whether its opera that brings to life your imagination, a bhajan that cam make you feel close to God, a ghazal that soothes your nerves, or even have someone else expressing the same frustrations that you have through their new rock song.

In Mumbai and Delhi, where people are stressed or even depressed, music therapy is gaining ground as a remedy for motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness and or even spiritual enhancement.

Supriya Singh, 27, says music has really helped her feel a sense of calm. As a bank employee trying to strike a balance between her work pressures and her marriage, Singh found it difficult to stay calm when she got home from work. “The commute and timings really got to me,” she says.

But music therapy has helped. “I used to be short-tempered and would snap back at my husband and at one point considered walking out on my marriage of one year,” says Singh. “A month into therapy and my relationship has seen considerable improvement,” she adds.

“Music can take you to a state of trance where you feel closer to god,” says Vivek Joshi, a sarod player and practising music therapist. Music can induce a state akin to that of meditation. With instruments, song, lyrics and voice, a participative programme is devised.

“But this is not just about using ragas — it’s more clinical. It helps in relaxation, breathing and sound to deal with stress-related conditions,” says Margaret Lobo, co-founder of The Indian Music Therapy Trust.

Everyone responds to the sound, notes and rhythm of music. “We work with natural inspiration and instinct, and this helps express what the person is feeling. Music helps the individuals find their own potential.”

“It brings harmony between the mind, nervous system and body,” says Vikram Hazra, guitarist and Art of Living teacher. “It’s the easiest to practise and the most portable therapy available. In a traffic jam, for instance, just hum a tune to yourself,” says Hazra. “You can’t do deep breathing because the air is so polluted. Singing helps regulate your breath.”

Today, one can choose a programme for anger management, stress therapy, depression, and so on based on your requirements. Big companies around the world have also going choosing music therapy for their employees. Recently, Joshi gave a performance as part of a stress management programme for senior managers at Reserve Bank of India.

Lobo, who conducts music therapy programmes in London, says: “A lot of corporations are keen to get involved because a ‘happy’ team improves productivity.”

However, the music one listens to in therapy is very different from what clubs and concerts belt out. “It’s important to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent therapists.

Spas tend to have soothing music in the background, but that’s not therapy,” says Hazra. Also, beware of ‘fake’ music therapists.

“Though ragas are very soothing, music therapy works best when the person participates in the programme,” says Lobo. “A weekend workshop in music cannot make someone an expert,” she adds.

j_geetanjali@dnaindia.net