Abstract

EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON MENTAL HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

Dr. Yogiraj Mishra* and Prof. Ashok Kumar Sharma

Abstract

Mental disorders such as Depression has been linked with various psychosomatic issues and to a 50 percent increase in a person's risk of dying from cancer and a 67 percent increase from heart disease. These conditions have a significant impact on life expectancies. One of the clearest places that the link between mental and physical health is illustrated is in longevity. Many studies have found that those with mental health challenges, tend to live shorter lives when compared to those who do not have these conditions.[1] In Ayurveda manas bhavas like raag, dvesh, kaam, mad, moh, krodh etc. are the key factors in make a person doing pragyapradh, which is further root cause in all diseases or sarvadoshprakop.[2] As music plays a crucial role in making a person’s thoughts positive. Positive emotions, optimism, life satisfaction and happiness are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and may even decrease the rate of the disease’s progression. Indian classical music is classified in swar, raaga, taal, chalan, gaayan-vaadan samaya etc. According to Vaadi-Samvaadi swara, raagas are able to affect Tridosh. Music enriched with shringar, haasya, shaant etc. navarasa, used for medical therapeutic conditions according to Saamanya-Vishesh Siddhant affect and regulate emotions, which affects brain functions and psycho-somatic functions and make help in getting relief in blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, pain, respiratory problems, autism and mental illnesses as well.

Keywords: mental health, psychosomatic disorders, Indian classical music, raag, music therapy.