After nearly three decades of intense study of the effect of Music and Musical notes on the plants, animals, and humans, in 1996 Sri Swamiji came up with this unique concept of Raga Sagara and has conducted many such 'Raga Sagara' concerts all over the world.

 

Based on the ancient Ragaragini Vidya (science of Ragas and Raginis) and principles of Nada Chikitsa (Principles of Healing through Sound), this concept ably brings out the therapeutic dimension of Music in addition to its entertaining ability. 

 

This 'Raga Sagara Celestial Message' information depicts a few glimpses from the voluminous work done by Sri Swamiji to prove the therapeutic efficacy of Music. 

 

Research evidence shows that listening to appropriate music ... 

• Lowers BP 

• Stabilizes heart rate 

• Relieves depression 

• Reduces pre-treatment anxiety 

• Enhances concentration and creativity 

• Lessens the need for sedatives and pain killers (during and after surgery) 

• Reduces nausea after chemotherapy 

• Manages pain 

• Improves stability of people with Parkinson's disease. 

 

Physical effect of appropriate music 

• Brain function physically changes in response to music 

• The rhythm can guide the body into breathing slower, deeper patterns that have a calming effect. 

• Louder and faster noises tend to raise both heart rate and blood pressure; slower, softer, and more regular tones produce the opposite result. 

• Music can also relieve muscle tension and improve motor skills. It is often used to help rebuild physical patterning skills in rehabilitation clinics. 

• Levels of endorphins are increased and stress hormones are decreased. This improves immune function. 

• A 1993 study at Michigan State University showed that even 15 minutes of exposure to music could increase interleukin-1 levels, a consequence which also heightens immunity. 

 

 

Mental effects of appropriate music 

• Sharpens mental acuity and assists in relaxation 

• Memory and learning can be enhanced 

• The term "Mozart effect" was coined after a study showed that college students performed better on math problems when listening to classical music. 

 

Emotional effects of appropriate music 

• Creates feelings of calmness, tension, excitement, or romance. 

• Lullabies have long been proven for soothing babies to sleep.

• Music can also be used to express emotion non-verbally. 

 

Precautions

Patients undergoing music therapy should not discontinue medications or therapies prescribed by other health providers without prior consultation. Music Therapy is not a substitute for standard medical care. 

 

Maximizing with Music Therapy

• Try taking a 20 minute "sound bath". 

• Choose music with a slow rhythm. 

• Music that has repeating or cyclical pattern is found to be effective in most people. 

• Focus on your breathing, letting it deepen, slow down, and become regular. 

• Concentrate on the silence between the notes. This keeps you from analyzing the music and makes relaxation more complete. 

• If you need stimulation after a day of work, go for faster music rather than slow calming music. 

• When the going gets tough, go for music you are familiar with - such as a childhood favorite or favorite oldies. Familiarity often breeds calmness. 

• Take walks with your favorite music playing. Inhale and exhale in tune. 

• Listen to sounds of nature, such as ocean waves, or the calm of a deep forest as they can reduce stress. 

 

Nadopaasana leads to Moksha (liberation) 

The inner light is shining constantly. It reveals itself through a mirror called "mind". Defects of the mind blur the light within, but actually, that light remains unaffected by the modification of the mind. One should ignore the limitations of the mind and concentrate on the inner light. This inner light is the divine. Seeking the divine should be one’s main aim in life. There is an intimate relation between music and the divine. But this relation is established only when nada is approached with reverence and devotion.