On Music
Therapy.......
By Juliette Parkin, Adelaide, Australia
I first heard Dr.
Chandrakant Sardeshmukh's sitar music in 1988 in
India having attended a music evening organised for students
from Australia studying Ayurvedic medicine in India.
I distinctly remember the powerful effect of his music on
me, the extraordinary peace felt, the total relaxation of
mind and body and at times a feeling of being elevated or
liberated. He radiated a purity, joyfulness and depth
of feeling that was both moving and healing. I have
been an avid fan of his music since.
Years later I asked Dr. Sardeshmukh
if he would undertake a research project to study the effects
of music on certain patients in my clinic, who I felt would
benefit from his exceptional gift. We agreed to a
joint project to look at the effects and changes that may
take place in the physiology and psychology of individuals
experiencing music therapy. A selection of patients
was chosen for the project. Conditions covered a range
of health issues including mental stress, overactive mind,
depression, psychological and physical ailments, repressed
emotions, fear and anger, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties,
poor circulation etc. There were patients who wished
to experience more joy and happiness, while some wanted
to enhance their creativity or improve their memory and
meditation practises.
Dr. Sardeshmukh’s knowledge of music and people was
impressive. Each patient felt he had clearly understood
their problems and needs and that the notes of the music
and rhythms used went directly to the places in the body
and mind that needed healing, with precision and accuracy.
Many reported strong healing waves through the body.
In a number of individuals there was a release of pain,
both psychological and physical, more vitality, deep relaxation,
coordinated breathing, brain wave activity, tingling in
the body and changes in body temperature with certain notes.
They felt the body became lighter, softer with a distinct
feeling the body and mind had been aligned, or balanced,
or was more integrated. Some reported a release of
deep-seated stress, improved concentration, inspired thoughts,
shifts in perception, serenity and peacefulness. Others
enjoyed the beauty of the music and felt deeply relaxed
and calm.
Various patients expressed they have had positive life-changing
experiences since their music therapy sessions, and after
two years have passed, with four sessions completed, recognise
what appears to be positive and permanent changes in their
thinking and lifestyle which they directly attribute to
the music therapy. They felt they had a better understanding
of themselves and others, and were happier and healthier.
I believe the Samavedic basis of Dr. Sardeshmukh’s
music, with its ancient and sacred origins is a powerful
healing tool. It is not surprising that particular
music notes have been used in past centuries to heal the
sick and improve quality and growth in agriculture and horticulture.
Music was used for unconscious or subconscious levels so
anxiety was relieved in these conditions. In ancient
thought, music as an esoteric experience was an integral
part of human existence having the power to liberate a person
and take them to the highest level.
My own experience in music therapy has been remarkable.
The sessions, conducted on a individual basis, gave me more
vitality, my body and mind felt stronger, aligned and more
harmonious, bodily sensations were experienced throughout
the session, sometimes tingling, hot and cold feelings and
subtle energy fields coming alive in the body. At times
I felt a deep and profound happiness. I am now sleeping
more soundly. The optimism and alignment of body and mind
felt after the sessions have stayed with me.
Due to the positive response from patients and claims they
have been helped by music therapy, it is a good starting
point for further research into the effects of Dr. Sardeshmukh’s
sitar music and his unique approach and put it into a context
for further academic evaluation.
Dr. Sardeshmukh’s desire is to explore the unknown
or unexplained history and culture of ancient India and
bring to light that knowledge which is in Sanskrit and not
explained fully and share it with the world. He embarked
on this enthralling journey in his early childhood. This
musical journey begins with Samaveda and leads up to the
music of our times. In a therapy context I feel it is invaluable.
