Artscope

Music - the healing balm

by R.S. Karunaratne

If not for music human life would become dull and unbearable. Whether you are employed or not you feel the burden of responsibilities and duties that go with every passing day. Radio, television, cassette recorders, VCDs and DVDs help us to relieve stress and unwind after a stressful day.

Apart from providing entertainment, music can relieve stress. What is more, a particular kind of music can change our mood. The private sector has understood this well and tries to keep their workforce stress-free by providing them with soft background music.

I thought of writing this short preamble after listening to three CDS, beautifully titled “Nirvana”, “Aswari” and ‘Heartchakra” handed over to me by V. Thiru of Ideal Marketing Services, 69/6, Galle Road, Dehiwala.

He tells me “Nirvana” is music for peace and tranquillity, “Aswari” is music for lowering high blood pressure and “Heartchakra” is music for heart disorders. All the three CDs are produced by Dr. Rishi Kendra who specialises in music therapy for health and rejuvenation.

Sometime ago, Dr. Rishi Kendra of India produced three other CDs: “Neethra” for sound sleep, “Kathera” for alleviating depression and “Saranga” for reducing stress.

Thiru tells me they were snapped up by customers as they delivered the goods. Although he is no medical man, common sense tells us that music can act as a therapy. In fact, listening to good music can be more beneficial to our body and mind rather than swallowing multi-vitamin tablets and getting intravenous injections.

Sangeeth Visharada, Vadya Nipun P.V. Mano Manjarie who also has a master’s degree in music says classical music creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere in the listener’s mind. What is more such music can have a direct and destruct effect on the body as well. Even leading teledrama actress Nilmini Tennakoon claims that she was benefited by music therapy.

The three CDs contain different melodies that can relieve people’s emotions. Dr. Rishi Claims that his music can help remedy muscle tension, respiratory problems and pain tolerance. “Nirvana” is targeted to expectant mothers. Its music is composed to promote relaxation.

“Aswari” is meant to tackle problems of hypertension. The CD is highly recommended for those with aggressiveness and over ambitiousness. “Heartchakra”, as the name indicates, is for the heart. It is supposed to promote blood circulation and enhance the quality of life.