An Overview of the Indian system of Raagas and their Positive Effects on Health

Abstract

Music is often known to stimulate the neurological physiology as well as physical health due to its therapeutic abilities. This article presents a detailed review about the Indian classical music (ICM) Raagas with their relationship to the time of the day during which it is played, the season of the year during which it has a maximal positive effect as well as its relationship to Vaatha, Pittha and Kapha. Two sample case studies with melodic scales are reviewed wherein the first case study relates to the successful stress reduction using Darbari kanada Raaga for subjects undergoing gastroendoscopy and the second one highlights the reduction of blood pressure and heart rate for hypertensive women in their third trimester of pregnancy. A meaningful conclusion is drawn by providing a comprehensive assessment about these two case studies thereby emphasizing on the positive effects of music therapy.