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MEDICINE MUSIC  - The Alchemy of Sacred Sound Workshop - A brief synopsis

 

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.