Music Therapy Based on Individual's 'Biological Humor'

Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

MUSIC THERAPY BASED ON INDIVIDUAL’S ‘BIOLOGICAL HUMOR’ – WITH REFERENCE TO MEDICAL ASTROLOGY: A REVIEW

Nagarajan Karuna1, Srinivasan T M2 Nagendra H R3 Assistant Professor, Ph D, Dean, M.E., Ph D, MSc, MBA (PhD Scholar), Division of Yoga and Chancellor, Division of Yoga and Life Physical Science, S-VYASA University Sciences. S-VYASA University

ABSTRACT Ayurveda is an ancient science which mainly focuses on preventing and treating diseases based on the knowledge of the dosha or humour or constitution of the person. In Ayurveda, the constitution is known through questionnaires, Nadi Parisksha or pulse examination and physical examination. There is also a method of knowing the predominating dosha or humour by examining the birth chart which gives the planetary position and the constellation (Nakshatra) of an individual. This constitutes an important aspect of Medical Astrology which also gives disease propensity of a person. However, for healing purposes, we must also consider individual’s habits, tendencies, influences and desires, which create the pattern of our lives down to the subconscious and instinctual levels. We must will- fully change the way we live, breathe, see and think, altering our very ego or sense of self in a positive way. This may be done through various tools provided in our ancient scriptures such as Yoga, Music and Mantras. Music therapy is one of the complementary methods of healing as prescribed in Ayur- veda, which works as Mind-Body Medicine. The Indian melodies or Ragas which brings out positive emotions, warding off the negative ones, helps to change one's thought patterns. In this paper, we have attempted to connect the three ancient systems of healing – Ayurveda, Medical Astrology and Music therapy. We have listed the Ragas based on Biorhythm theory depicting particular aesthetic mood or positive emotions as a part of music therapy. These Ragas are correlated with that of the constitution or Prakriti of an individual, based on constellation or Nakshatra. Keywords: Ayurveda, Medical Astrology, Doshas, Music therapy, Constellation or Nakshatra ginated from Gandharva Veda, thousands INTRODUCTION of years ago. Even today its basic Music and other sounds have a significant effect on the body and mind. Along with principles of depicting aesthetic mood, the other benefits of music nowadays it is lead to the stunning creativity by its master used as a therapy also. It is an emerging musicians. 1 field in health care system. The Greeks, Music therapy is the use of music and Hebrews and Persians used music syste- musical elements in a process designed to matically as a therapy. In India, music ori- facilitate and promote communication, relationships, learning, mobilization, expres- Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance sion and other relevant therapeutic objec- light, it imparts faith, honesty, modesty tives, in order to meet physical, emotional, and truthfulness which lead to purification mental, social and cognitive needs. 2 of mind and body, including our emotions. Rajas give rise to change, disturbing equi- In Indian Classical music, music therapy de- librium with passion and agitation giving pends upon the correct intonation and right use rise to emotional conflicts. Tamas leads to of the basic elements such as Nada, shruti, dullness, inertia, heaviness and emotional 3 swara, raga, tala and laya. clinging. 6 A close interdependence among the physi- Our ancient healing method like Ayurveda cal and psychological components exists; suggests music therapy as one of the heal- if one component is out of balance, the ing methods. Ayurveda constitutes a whole others are also out of balance. Health care complex approach to health that may in- in Ayurveda is essentially aimed at ba- clude meditation, diets, purification tech- lancing the dosas and gunas, bringing niques, Yoga, Music therapy, Aromathe- them into equilibrium. 5 rapy and herbal remedies tailor made to Medical astrology is concerned with heal- body type and personality. In Ayurvedic ing body, mind and spirit using the tools of medicine, health comes when the forces of the entire universe, the foremost of which the body and mind are in balance, and is the light of the stars and planets. Each restoring balance begins with the know- individual is genetically different and has a ledge of the patient's mind-body type. 4 unique constitution (Prakriti). Therefore The human body according to Ayurveda is our ancient Indian scriptures suggested made up of physical doshas (Vata, pitta casting a birth chart of the person. The as- and Kapha ) and psychic components trological information has been used along (satva, rajas and tamas), body tissues with the knowledge of person’s predomi- (dhatus), and waste products (malas). The nating dosha or humour.7 It shows by and three physical doshas vata, pitta and kapha large our disease susceptibility, indicating corresponds to wind, fire and water re- the types of health problems that we are spectively. The solid material substrate most likely to be vulnerable to. 8 referred to as kapha; chemical activity Here in this article, we attempt to integrate (metabolic factor) referred as pitta and an the systems of Astrology, which forecasts energy pool of motion and movement re- body dosha or constitution of a person ferred to as vata. These three dosas coexist through his/her constellation and Ayurveda in a preset proportion and function in a indicating the disease and the mindset balancing manner to overall function of most likely to be present for the particular the total organism in spite of their opposite dosha or constitution. The remedial music properties and functions. The imbalance or therapy used to treat doshas of mind and vitiation of vata, pitta, or kapha is consi- body thereby using the concept of rasas dered a major factor in the causation of a (aesthetic mood) and ragas (Indian melo- disease. 5 dies). The three psychological components are Music therapy: Music therapy can be satva guna, rajas guna, and tamas guna used effectively as a preventive measure, which can be correlated to balance, dy- and it can be used as a supplementary to namic and lethargic personality traits re- the main treatment after the onset of pa- spectively. Satva is the quality of love and thological conditions. The appropriate type www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance of music, with specific tonal quality, fact Komal or teevra gives indication of the played at suitable time, the helps to drive position of a note - either higher or lower than out negative feelings like dependency and its original position. Shadja (Sa) loneliness. Music creates an atmosphere of and Panchama (Pa)are two steady notes hav- harmony and well-being. 3 ing no distortion or displacement. Rishabha (Ri), Gandhara (Ga), Madhyama(Ma), Dhai- Music is among those lifestyle choices that vata (Dha)and Nishada (Ni) are accepted as may reduce stress, protect against disease, 9 having two forms as stated above, namely, one and manage pain. Music-therapy during high and one low. We have a total of 12 notes. 10 labor decreased sensation of pain. Music 14 could also produce some physical effects Rhythm: Rhythm has three aspects: Tala, by inducing the peripheral production and Laya and Matra. Tala is a complete cycle of release of nitric oxide (NO). NO is well Metrical phrase composed of a fixed number known to possess antibacterial, antiviral of beats. The Laya is the tempo, which keeps and immune-modulatory function. 11 Many the uniformity of time span, and it has three studies in the recent years have shown that divisions – Vilambita (slow), Madhya (Me- music listening may give rise to physio- dium) and Druta (fast). The Matra is the smallest unit of the Tala. 14 logical reactions similar to those shown to Tonic and the Drone: One distinguishing other “emotional” stimuli, including characteristic of Indian Music is the rela- changes in heart rate, skin temperature, tionship of each swara (note) with the electro-dermal response, respiration, and Shadja (tonic) which determines the plac- hormone secretion. 12 ing of the swaras and the expression of We introduce first the basic structural ele- each swara in the saptak (scale). Hence ments of Indian Classical music which are the constant playing of the drone is neces- – Nada (sound), Swara (note), Shruti a sary. A singer is always accompanied by (musical interval), Rhythm and Drone. In- an instrument called tanpura which is dian classical texts on music have also tuned to suit his key note. 14 given the effective use of these elements Raga or Melody: Raga is the sequence of for therapeutic benefits. selected notes (swaras) that lend an appro- Nada: The friction of air (Vayu) with heat priate mood or emotion in a selective (Agni) is the cause of sound or nada both combination. Depending upon its tonal musical and non-musical. The seven tones quality, a raga could induce or intensify are the real basis of music of all nations of joy or sorrow, exuberance or peace, and it the world. 13 is this quality, which forms the basis for Swara: The Indian musical scale is said to therapeutic application. By activating have evolved from 3 notes of singing Vedic hymns, to a scale of 7 primary notes, on the emotions and controlling brain wave pat- basis of 22 intervals. The scale is divided into terns, ragas could be used as a powerful 22 shrutis or intervals, and these are the basis tool for alleviating the most common ail- of the musical notes. Shruti is conceived both ments of the modern society. 15Every raga as a "musical interval" which makeup the has a fixed number of komal (soft) or tee- notes of the octave and as a pitch position. vra (sharp) notes, from which the thaat The seven notes of the scale or saptak are can be recognized. In other words, a cer- 14 known as Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni. tain arrangement of the 7 notes with Each of the note or swara either lowered or change in shuddha, komal and teevra is raised in pitch, are known as called a that. 14 According to Vishnu Na- komal or teevra respectively. In www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance rayan Bhatkhande (1860-1936) – one of minds and hearts of the people. The con- the most influential musicologists in the cept of "Rasa" is the most important and field of North Indian classical music in the significant contribution of the Indian mind twentieth century – each one of the several to aesthetics. The consolidation and evo- traditional ragas is based on, or is a varia- cation of rasa, then, represent the function tion of, ten basic thats. It is a system in of all fine arts. This is the central concep- which ten complete scales of seven notes tion in India since Bharata Natayashastra each, in ascending order, are formulated to first expounded the doctrine of rasa with categorize maximum number of ragas its eight categories, viz., love or happiness, within it. The ten thats are Bilawal, Ka- gaiety or humor, compassion, fury, valor, lyan, Khamaj, Bhairav, Poorvi, Marwa, awesomeness, loathsomeness, and wonder. Kafi, Asavari, Bhairavi and Todi. 16 From the third or fourth century onwards How does Music therapy work? : Music silence or tranquility was not only added produces psychological responses within a as the ninth category but considered as the person when it passes through the auditory supreme rasa. 17 cortex of the brain, which processes the This ninth rasa is the culmination of all music. This processing occurs in the lim- other rasas and is one of transcendental bic system, which is known as the centre quality. All Indian arts, including music, of emotions, sensations and feelings. Hu- attempts at transcendence and thus are of man responses to music occur predomi- unique quality; every rasa has a corres- nantly in the right hemisphere of the brain, ponding method and a path leading a per- which is involved in intuitive and creative son to experience reality as defined in In- methods of processing information. dian philosophies. 18 Through effective response and cognitive Bhatkhande, keeping in view the ancient recognition, music is able to alter mood. theory of rasa, has designated only four Thus, a person’s frame of mind, reaction to types of rasa – Shringara, Shanta, Veerya a given music, and musical preference play and Karuna, as the most important of all an important part in mood shift leading in nine varieties of rasas. Bhatkhande its turn to various health outcomes.2 classified the existing ragas according to According to the Natya shastra (drama- the shuddha and komal svaras used and turgy) of Bharata (second century BCE to consequently the particular rasas or moods second century CE), "rasa (flavor or re- they were able to create. He has suggested lish) is the seed and fruit of the arts." The a general rule of rasas and ragas which arts generate and consolidate moods, sen- needs further research. 19 timents, and emotions (rasa) freed from the fluctuations of fleeting desires and im- pulses, focus and diffuse these in the Table 1 Thaat and the Swaras used and the aesthetic mood or rasa created. 19 That Svaras used Rasa created Kalyan, Bilaval, Khamaj Ri, Dha teevra Shringara Bhairav, Purvi, Marva Ri, Dha Komal Shanta and Karuna Kafi, Asaveri, Bhairavi and Todi Ga, Ni Komal Veera rasa. In a broader sense, Shringara is the mood beauty and harmony that is present in eve- in which we will be able to bring out the rything. Calmness or Shanta is attained

www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance when we focus on what we truly need, mentation of that particular factor. The then the winds of unnecessary desire do dissimilar factors cause reduction. not create any ripples on the surface of the (Ch.Su.1/44.45.) 21 The disagreeable rasa pond. Veerya or courage is the rasa of can be overcome by substituting with fearlessness, self assurance, determination, agreeable rasa created through the right heroism, valor, concentration, and perfect type of music which depicts positive emo- control of body and mind. Karuna or true tion. compassion involves the recognition that Ayurveda and Music therapy the suffering of others (as well as their joy, According to Ayurveda, we must under- ) is also our own. True compassion is stand our own nature or constitution or do- without discrimination and can be felt for sha and change our lifestyle, thinking and humans as well as for animals, plants, or perception accordingly. The three major even for enemies. It makes us a kind constitutional types – Vata, Pitta and Ka- person, extending loving kindness to every pha, exist according the three biological being we meet. 18 humors that are the root forces of life. Love, joy, courage, calmness, wonder are These corresponds to the three great ele- desirable rasas whereas anger, fear, sad- ments air, fire and water respectively as ness, disgust are not desirable. When a they function in the mind-body complex. disagreeable rasa prevails for a long pe- As long as these doshas are in balance a riod, the imbalance in the biochemical en- person remains healthy, and it produces a vironment created in our body is difficult subtle energy essence for the proper func- to get rid off and may lead to disease. tioning of the body. When they are dis- Maintaining an agreeable rasa over a long turbed, they create disagreeable rasas of period will stabilize our body, keeping it fear, anger, sadness and disgust for Vata, healthy and facilitating in curing disease.18 Pitta and Kapha respectively which is Trait anger and anger suppression is more psychological manifestation.18 We have prevalent among people listed below the physical aspects of these with hypertension than healthy individu- disturbed doshas which manifests as psy- als.20 cho- somatic ailments. 5 Rasa is consi- The theory of Samanya Vishesha Sidd- dered a bio-energy that is partly physical hanta is applicable irrespective of the sys- and partly mental. It is a significant link tem of medicine that is followed by a phy- between body and mind that affects our sician. This theory says factors which are thoughts and emotions. 18 having similar properties will lead to aug- Table 2 Correlating Imbalance in Dosha manifesting as psychological disagreeable Rasa and the diseases one is prone to: Dosha Balance Imbalance Diseases Prone to 18 creates 18 creates 5 Vata Calmness Fear and Rheumatism, nervous disorders, sciatica, insomnia, dry (Air) Anxiety skin, constipation, receding gums, weak bones, infertility, impotence, colic, flatulence, stuttering, ringing in the ears, irregular menstruation with cramps, varicose veins, paralysis, blood clotting, anorexia, shivering fits, poor blood circulation Pitta Smartness Anger Stress-related diseases; high-blood pressure; coronary

www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance (Bile) and Ra- diseases; thrombosis; ulcers; cancer of the stomach, diance intestine, and skin; psoriasis; inflammation of the lymph system; infectious diseases; inflammation of the spleen; hepatitis, urinary tract infection; heartburn Kapha Vigor Sadness, Nausea, colds, bronchitis, asthma, kidney stones, swollen (Mucus) Disgust lymph nodes, benign tumors, dropsy, goiter, lung and breast cancer, fungal infections, digestive system problems, obesity When Kapha is in balance, it produces vi- We have listed the ragas which balances gor otherwise called as Ojas, which is its the dosha accordingly in Table 3. essence. If Pitta is in balance, it makes us Biorhythm theory of Music and Ayur- smart and radiant through its essence, veda which is known as Tejas. Vata is regarded Our ancient scholars and musician adhered as the most important of the three doshas. strictly to bio rhythm or cyclical time Pitta and Kapha need the Vata to move theory while singing a particular raga. them to the required places throughout the Sangita Makaranda by Sri Narada, says body. When Vata is in perfect balance, it is that raga sung at the proper time brings converted to its essence, which is Prana happiness; otherwise it disturbs the envi- and produces Calmness. Hence Prana, ronment. The source of this concept dates Ojas, Tejas are the subtle essences of Vata, back to Vedas, especially Yajur Veda, Kapha and Pitta respectively- existing which deals with prescription of time and beyond physical level. There is a strong rules for the performance of Yagnas, or relationship between these subtle essences religious ceremonies. 22 of the doshas and the development of the Ayurveda also emphasis the importance of higher aspects of the rasas, such as univer- these natural cycles of the day and season. sal love, true compassion, absolute fear- Listening to the right raga at the right time lessness and calmness.18 Ayurveda re- is said to smooth the natural transitions commends hearing of vocal and instru- and attune the body and mind to the circa- mental music pleasing to the ears, soft, dian cycle. Also, specific ragas are pre- sweet and agreeable for balancing Pitta scribed to balance specific doshas. 1 (Ch.Vi6#17). In case of unconsciousness, It is of great importance for our study of one is advised to use consolation and music that Ayurveda also recognizes mul- musical sounds. (Su.I.6#85-87). 21 Music 12 is precisely calculated to have a positive effect on dosha balance. The dosha can be 10 am - 2 pm 10 pm -2 am aggravated or balanced by varying melo- Fig:1 CyclePitta of predominant dosha and time dies and rhythm. The disagreeable rasa of sadness and disgust in Kapha dosha can be substituted with agreeable rasa of love 9 3 and compassion created by the particular 6 am – 10 am 2 am - 6am raga. Similarly, anger of disturbed Pitta 6 pm – 10 m 2 pm – 6 pm Vata dosha can be overcome by peace or shanta Kapha rasa; fear of disturbed Vata dosha can be overcome by veera rasa or self assurance. 6 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance

tiple cycles of time and distinguishes spe- tonal characteristics. A simple way of cific balance between the doshas existing categorizing ragas is to divide them into in each section of each cycle. These fac- three categories: tors are taken into account in diagnosis, There are many points of this nature that healing as well as guidance for preventing would have to be brought out in order to disease. During the diurnal cycle, each arrive at a complete explanation of time- dosha is found to predominate twice. The related performance practices. Following sequence is according to Ashtanga San- points provide a outline of the cyclical graha #1/22 Bhatkhande has classified time theory or biorhythm theory: the Ragas based on the time of singing, 1. Ragas with the notes Re and Dha Komal which may be utilized during therapeutic coupled with sharp Ga and Ni are meant for the twilight time. Fig-2 Ragas with specific tonal characteristics based on the time of singing 19 2. The Shuddha Re, Ga and Dha find a place in the melodies of the first part of the 1 day or night. 3. Ga and Ni Komal play a significant role 10 am to 1 pm & 1 pm to 4 pm in the midday and midnight melodies. 10 pm to 1 am & 1 am to 4. The presence of Teevra Ma is a feature of an evening or night melody. 5. Mere change of vadi swara can change 9 3 7 am to 10 a raga and also the singing time. The ragas am 7 pm to 10 which are sung between noon and pm midnight have their vadi swara in lower 4 am to 7 am 4 pm to 7pm tetrachord or purvanaga i.e., sa ri g a ma Ragas Ri dha pa. The ragas sung from midnight to 6 midday have their vadi swara placed in the applications. To establish the recital times upper tetrachord or uttaranga 1.e. sa ni dha pa ma. 19 of each raga, he divided the day into Here, we have correlated the disagreeable eight praharas or watches, each of three rasa, which is the cause of disturbed dosha, hours' duration, using 4 a.m. as his starting with the Indian ragas which instills point. He then allocated each raga to a agreeable rasa within the listener. specific prahara according to its basic Table – 3 Disagreeable rasa treated with agreeable rasa the corresponding that and important ragas of the that 23

Disturbed Disagreeable Substitute Thaat Some Im- Time Timings Dosha rasa created Agreeable portant rasa Ragas of the Thaat Vata Fear Veera Rasa Kafi, Kafi Any time Peelu Any time Bhimpalsri Afternoon 1pm-4pm Brindavani Afternoon 1pm-4pm www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance

Sarang Shuddha Afternoon 1pm-4pm Sarang Asaveri Morning 7am-10am Asaveri Adana Mid Night 10pm-1am Jaunpuri Morning 10am-1pm Darbari Midnight 10pm-1am Kanada Bhairavi Late 10am-1pm Bhairavi Morning Malkauns Mid Night 10pm-1am Bilakshani Morning 7am-10am Todi Todi Todi Morning 7am-10am Multani Late 1pm-4pm Afternoon Gurjari Late 10am-1pm Todi Morning Madhuvanti Dusk 4pm-7pm Pitta Anger Shanta Rasa Bhairav Bhairav Early 4am-7am and Karuna Morning Ahir Bhai- Morning 7am-10 am rav Ramkali Early 4am-7am Morning Jogiya Early 4am-7am Purvi Morning Purvi Dusk 4pm-7pm Paraj Pre- Dawn 1 am-4am Marva Shri Dusk 4pm-7pm Marva Late Evening 7pm-10pm Puriya Late Evening 7pm-10pm Bhatiyar Early 4am-7am Morning Sohini Pre-Dawn 1 am-4am Kapha Sadness, Dis- Shringara Kalyan, Shuddha 7 pm – gust Kalyan Late Evening 10pm

Kedar Late Evening 7pm-10pm

Hameer Late Evening 7pm-10pm

Yaman Late Evening 7pm-10pm Bilawal Alahiya Late morning 10am -1 pm Bilawal

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Bihag Night 10 pm -1am

Shankara Night 10 pm -1am

Durga Late evening 7pm-10pm

Khamaj Late evening 7pm-10pm

Khamaj Jinjoti Late evening 7pm-10pm

Kalavati Late evening 7pm-10pm

Desh Late evening 7pm-10pm

Connecting Astrology and Ayurveda as constellations or Nakshatras. Each sign Linking natural healing of both body and occupies two and a quarter of constella- mind through Ayurveda and medical as- tions. As there are nine planets, a group of trology is one of the deepest and most three constellations fall into the lordship of lasting investigations of our species. Our each planet. Because constellation is a part ancient seers knew that each individual’s of the zodiac sign, hence, it is under the genetic code is different and had a unique influence of two planets that is the sign constitution and nature (Prakriti). 8 lord and the constellation lord. 25 Prasher B, Negi S(2008) have found that The ascendant signifies the physical sta- individuals from the three most contrasting ture, character and temperament, vitality, constitutional types – Vata, Pitta and Ka- vigor, tendencies, struggle for life, initia- pha, show remarkable differences with re- tive, perseverance, general well being, de- spect to biochemical and hematological termination and courage, etc. 25 parameters as well at gene expression le- Each Nakshatra has its own Prakriti or vels. 24 individual nature represented by a symbol, Astrology gives the genetic disposition or animal sign, character traits, emotion and code of the body based on the planetary spiritual patterns; as well as color, vowel position through the birth chart. However, sound, and names. Each is made of many for healing purposes, we must also con- strands that include Gunas or psychologi- sider as the code of the mind or psycho- cal qualities, Doshas and aims in life. 26 logical traits. We can discover our mental The planets project the basic energies op- code through our birth chart, as clearly as erating in the solar system. As such, our our genetic disposition. This is based upon entire lives can be arranged to improve our the individual’s habits, tendencies, influ- planetary influences. Right diet, right ences and desires. These tendencies create herbs, right location to live, right livelih- the pattern of our lives down to the sub- ood, right relationships and the right spi- conscious and instinctual levels. 8 ritual practices can all be used to balance The zodiac is divided into twelve equal planetary forces. 8 parts of 30 degree each called the signs or Astrological relation to three doshas ascendant signs. There is another division The tridoshas represent biological energy of zodiac into twenty seven equal parts of that represents the elemental forces exist- 13 degrees: 20 each and these are known ing in equilibrium in the human body, the

www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance microcosm, and consequently in the un- trological parlance, the force elements of iverse, the macrocosm. Indeed, everything the doshas are like planets and the field that exists in the vast external space is also elements of the doshas are like the ascen- present in the inner human core according dant signs ruled by the planet. 8 to Loka Purusha Saamya Siddhanta of The main correlation between Ayurveda Acharya Charaka. 27 and Astrology is that between the three Vata, Pitta and Kapha correspond to the doshas and the planets. principles of energy, light and matter in Vata Dosha - Saturn, Mercury, Rahu – the Universe. Homeostasis of these three Air signs forces maintains health and its imbalance Pitta Dosha – Sun, Mars Ketu – Fire signs lead to diseases. These three factors can be Kapha Dosha – Moon, Venus, and Jupiter converted into one another. The three do- - Water signs shas are the modification of the five great Mercury is a mutable and impressionable elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether planet that takes upon itself the influence which represent the five levels of matter as of airy planets it is associated with. Hence solid, liquid, radiant, gaseous and ether. it is associated with all the three doshas. Each dosha projects the qualities of its re- However mercury in and of itself is more spective element through the biological of a Vata or airy planet. 8 process. This is its basic force or force The twelve-zodiac signs from Aries to element. In addition to the primary ele- Pisces represent the fields in which the ments as air, fire and water, each dosha nine planets operate. They are an annex of relates to a secondary element that serves the qualities of their ruling planets. Like as its container or medium of expression. the planets, the signs also correspond to This is field of operation in which the do- the elements. sha operates or its ‘field element.' In as- Table-4 showing Ascendant sign, its ruling planet, the nature of the planet and the corresponding dosha 8 Ascendant Signs Ruling Planets Nature/ Dosha Aries, Leo, Scorpio Mars and Sun Fiery/ Pitta

Taurus, Libra, Cancer, Sa- Venus, Moon and Jupiter Watery/Kapha gittarius, Pisces

Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn Mercury , Saturn Airy/Vata and Aquarius

Air signs in general correspond with Vata and its structure, mainly Kapha fields, but dosha relating to the mind, nervous system more as a field in which the other three and communication and other Vata fields elemental forces can operate. 8 of activity. Fire signs correspond to Pitta, relating to the digestive system, circulatory Regardless of the qualities of the signs system, perception and other Pitta fields. themselves, we must remember the general Water signs correspond to Kapha relating rule that the nature of the planet is more to the body fluids, emotions and other Ka- important than that of the signs. The pla- pha fields. Earth signs represent the body nets represent the force while the sign www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance represents the field in which the forces op- that dominate. (Su. Sha. 4/63). The erate. The force always tends to dominate attributes of these dominant dosha dictate its field of activity. While the doshas of the body constitution and character of the the planets and signs should be looked at person (Ch.Vim 8/95). If two doshas are together, greater weight is given to the in dominance, a combination of the nature of the planet. Another important qualities of both will determine the method is to look at the qualities of the Prakriti of the person. There are thus sign according to those of its ruling planet. seven types of Prakritis possible - Vata 8 Prakriuti, Pitta Prakriti, kapha prakriti, All three doshas are present in every Vata-Pitta prakriti, Pitta-Kapha Prakriti, person’s body. But it is often one or two Vata-Kapha Prakriti (Su.Sha. 4/61). 28

Table – 5 List of 27 Constellations or Nakshatras, their ruling planet, the Primary and the Secondary Doshas, the ascendant sign, the Lord of the sign and the governing element.

Nakshatra Ruling Primary Sec- Ascendant Sign Sign Governing Planet Dosha/ ondar Lord Element y Dosha Ashwini Ketu Pitta Vata Aries (Mesha) Mars Fire Bharani Venus Kapha Vata Aries (Mesha) Mars Fire Krittika Sun Pitta Vata Aries (Mesha) Mars Fire Rohini Moon Kapha Vata Taurus (Vrishabha) Venus Water Mrigashira Mars Pitta Kapha Taurus (Rishabha) Venus Water Aridra Rahu Vata Kapha Gemini (Mithunam) Mer- Air cury Punarvasu Jupiter Kapha Pitta Gemini (Mithunam) Mer- Air cury Pushya Saturn Vata Kapha Cancer (Kataka) Moon Water Ashlesha Mercury Vata Kapha Cancer (Kataka) Moon Water Magha Ketu Pitta Vata Leo (Simham) Sun Fire Purva Phalguni Venus Kapha Vata Leo (Simham) Sun Fire Uttara Phalguni Sun Pitta Vata Leo (Simham) Sun Fire Hasta Moon Kapha Vata Virgo (Kanya) Mer- Air cury Chitra Mars Pitta Kapha Virgo (Kanya) Mer- Air cury Swati Rahu Vata Kapha Libra (Tula) Venus Water Vishaka Jupiter Kapha Pitta Libra (Tula) Venus Water Anuradha Saturn Vata Kapha Scorpio (Vrischika) Mars Fire

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Jyeshta Mercury Vata Kapha Scorpio (Vrischika) Mars Fire Mula Ketu Pitta Vata Sagittarius(Dhanush) Jupiter Water Purva Ashadha Venus Kapha Vata Sagittarius(Dhanush) Jupiter Water Uttara Ashadha Sun Pitta Vata Sagittarius(Dhanush) Jupiter Water Shravana Moon Kapha Vata Capricorn (Makara) Saturn Air Dhanishtha Mars Pitta Kapha Capricorn (Makara) Saturn Air Shatabhisha Rahu Vata Kapha Aquarius (Kumbha) Saturn Air Purva Bhadra- Jupiter Kapha Pitta Aquarius (Kumbha) Saturn Air pada Uttara Bhadra- Saturn Vata Kapha Pisces (Meena) Jupiter Water pada Revati Mercury Vata Kapha Pisces (Meena) Jupiter Water  The table is general and may require some modifications according to individual chart or horoscope. While planets in general follow their the person. This may be treated as an dominant dosha, they often reflect more auxiliary treatment along with Ayurvedic than one dosha.8 It is noteworthy that herbal remedies and Yoga. although balance of the doshas in an individual shows continuous change CONCLUSION during the course of his or her life due to a Music therapy is mainly using the time range of internal and external factors, the specific raga with a particular tonal quality basic Prakriti is never altered. This means to restore harmony in the physical and that the dominating doshas of an mental faculty and eliminate the imbal- individual can be easily aggravated. (Ch.iv ances responsible for diseases. It is a Mind 8/95) 28 Body Medicine useful to treat the body through mind. Here in Table – 5, an attempt is made to The fundamental objective of Indian clas- list 27 Constellation or Nakshatras, their sical music is to instill rasa or aesthetic primary as well as the secondary dosha. mood like love, compassion, self assurance We may mainly consider primary dosha and calmness, etc. within the listener. and secondary dosha of the ruling planet Thus, Music is a means for educating and related to the particular Constellation or healing people emotionally warding off the Nakshatra for prescribing diet, lifestyle, negative side of human nature as that of diagnosis of disease and treatment of an fear, anger, disgust, and insecurity, etc. individual. In addition, the knowledge of The classical text lists precise times of the the ascendant sign, the governing element day for playing of different ragas or melo- also supports the same. The birth chart is dies. Listening to the time specific raga is drawn based on the time, place and date of said to smoothen the natural transitions the birth of a person from which Nakhatra and regulate the body and mind to the bi- is determined. orhythm cycle. It also helps to balance the In Table – 3 we have listed the music biological humours or Doshas. The ragas therapy based on the dosha or prakriti of which instill calmness or Shanta rasa in the listener may help to pacify disagreea- www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 4; July - August-2014 Nagarajan Karuna Et;Al: Music therapy for Dosha Balance ble rasa of anger caused by disturbed Pitta In this paper we have examined how the dosha. The ragas which depict the Veera three systems of Music, Ayurveda and As- rasa or Courage may pacify disagreeable trology – can be correlated to provide us rasa of fear anxiety caused by Vata dosha. with an effective and comprehensive me- The ragas which infuse love and compas- thodology of healing body, mind and Spi- sion moods may appease sadness and de- rit. Individual constellation is known jection caused by Kapha dosha. through the birth chart which is based on It is of great implication for our study of the time, place and date of birth. We have music that Ayurveda also identifies mul- listed the 27 constellation with its primary tiple cycles of time and distinguishes the dosha and the secondary dosha through specific balance between medical astrology. We have also given the the Doshas existing in each segment of specific ragas as a part of music therapy each cycle. Apart from proper diet, herbal for balancing the particular dosha type. remedies and cleansing techniques, Ayur- Most of the times, the root of a disease is veda also supports special method like in our mental state or the condition of our mantras and music therapy to achieve will than in the physical body. Diseases higher awareness and alter the psycho- reflect negative planetary influences which physical environment. are disruptive force in our astrophysical Ayurveda provides an essential mind-body environment or the perceptual faculty. By system of both diagnosis and healing. It changing the internal environment, we can treats the disease based on the individual alter our outer physical functioning as constitution according to the three Doshas well. This needs a willingness to ‘let go’ of Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (wa- the negative thought patterns followed by ter) as well as how this constitution is af- the willful submission to the notes of the fected by everything from diet, medicines music along with appropriate diet ac- and habits but also of the environment, cording to the Doshas and seasons, Yoga, weather and the stars (astrology). Pranayama and meditation as prescribed Astrology uses the language of Ayurveda by Ayurveda – our ancient healing system. to understand the effects of the planets on Acknowledgement the body and mind relative to health, ail- The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr ment and endurance. Astrology can be Manjunath, Dr Kashinath for their guid- used as an aid to Ayurvedic analysis, diag- ance in Ayurveda; Dr Natesh Babu, Sri nosis and treatment showing how plane- Subramanian.A and Sri. Sumanth Gowda tary factors cause disease. 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