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During a
typical Medicine Music workshop, Ron and Vicki explore the
origins of sound with particular reference to Indian Classical
music, which they believe hold the greatest potential for
therapeutic benefit. “There
are seven major nerve centres in the body, each of which vibrate
at a particular frequency”,
says Ron. The
participants are encouraged to listen with their hearts, not their
heads. Music has the
power to open hearts, uplift and heal.
Ancient
Sanskrit sounds are made for the heart; soon the participants are
laughing loud and heartily, but this is not to be mistaken for a
‘laughter yoga’ session!
Nevertheless laughter, fun and joy are very much part of a
Medicine Music workshop.
The Hindi/Urdu word "rag"
is derived from the Sanskrit "raga" which means "that which
colours the mind" (Ravi Shankar). Ancient songs and ragas
are sung live during the workshop
by Vicki and create a healing effect on the listener. Certain
notes have a specific meaning and affect certain emotions. The
note “ga” in the Indian scale or “e” in the western scale has a
frequency, or rate of oscillations per second, of 300Hz, giving us
a sense of satisfaction, tranquillity and mental peace.
In our busy and often chaotic lives, these natural
frequencies are usually ‘out of whack’. When the frequency of the
raga matches the natural frequency of the chakra (Sanskrit for
wheel, or disk, a subtle energy centre in the body), realignment
occurs and a healing effect is created.
Different ragas possess specific qualities that can affect
and alleviate certain health conditions, such as high blood
pressure or arthritis.
The
specific ragas Ron and Vicki play or sing during the workshop are
particularly curative, for example, Raag Darbari is good
for relieving tension and headaches.
Particular instruments and sounds are played at certain
times of the day for optimum results; during the workshop we
explain how different instruments emit particular frequencies. The
sitar is known as the ‘king’ in Indian classical music and
relates to the seventh chakra or the sahasrara. It is the
point of integration. It is the point where we can achieve bliss.
At times
we decide which ailments, frequencies and emotions we are going to
tackle. Sometimes it
maybe the heart, or it may be the nabhi, or manipur
chakra, situated in the solar plexus area, that needs healing.
This is the area of satisfaction, peace and contentment.
During
pregnancy women are encouraged to listen to the pleasant strains
of stringed instruments such as the veena (an ancient
instrument from the lute family), or the tanpura
(stringed drone instrument). Stringed instruments, it is
said, can penetrate the skin more powerfully.
The unborn baby is able to hear the pleasant strains of the
instrument, which produce a positive impact on the child.
In times when our lives are stressful we look for various modes of
relaxation. What better way is there but to unwind and listen to
music that can uplift, heal and awaken. An apple a day keeps the
doctor away, perhaps listening to good music every day will also
keep the disease at bay.
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