Healthy rhythms!

Shakespeare had said: ���If music be the food of love, play on.���
Well, music is also the soul of good health say many people as they vouch for the healing power of music. And why not, it is said that the very genesis of the world lies in sound - ���Om���, a cosmic vibration, the centre of every being.
Various ragas and sounds form an integral part of Indian classical music.These ragas relate with the time of the day and night and have helped in alleviating the symptoms of various ailments. Experiments conducted by renowned Ayurvedic specialist Balaji Tambe successfully concluded that certain ragas can heal the body. For instance, Raag Bhupali and Todi provide relief in high blood pressure. Shaarangdev Pandit, music composer, concurs, ���My father, Pandit Jasraj used to tell me that Raag Darbari was recommended to people suffering from insomnia.���
Studies conducted by institutions abroad discovered that music stimulates mental activity in certain parts of the brain. Doctors say that patients suffering from Autism, Alzheimers, depression etc. have responded positively to music therapy. Vivek Joshi who has been healing people with his sarod performances for the past two decades, explains, ���Indian classical music is designed according to our biological clock. The navrasas reflect nine basic emotions; the alaaps synchronise with the heart beat. Music touches your soul and gradually starts working on your body system.���
While the calming nature of Indian classical is well-known, people seem to be waking up to the benefits of using it essentially for fitness only now. Durga Jasraj, the co-founder of the Indian Music Academy, who recently came up with an album Walking Ragaas stresses that if you play the right kind of music at the right time, it can yield astonishing results for the body and the mind. ���Indian classical music has a very calming effect on the human body because of the very way it is structured.���
Shaarangdev, the composer of Walking Ragaas elaborates, ���This world music album is a blend of eastern and western sounds and has been designed to synchronize with the heart beat of a person in a span of 45 minutes, the time it takes for a good cardio session. The soothing sounds along with the shlokas and mantras of the Vedas and Upanishads help in improved breathing and heart rate.���
We listen to different kinds of music depending on our moods. But when sound is managed scientifically, when there is a proper structure to it, music becomes a strong health tool. Are you ready to be musically fit?