NOTES: Ragas -Therapeutic Applications

Blog Ragas in Carnatic Music and Their Health Benefits

(Dr. Balaji Kirushnan shares the health benefits of music as his tribute to music lovers.)

Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used as a therapeutic treatment to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals.

Carnatic music is deeply rooted in the cultural system of India. The role of Carnatic music in aiding and curing diseases is well-known.

Ragas are a fundamental concept in Carnatic music. It means colour in Sanskrit.

Ragas are combinations of various notes or swaras, which give a particular sequence.

All compositions that we hear in a concert have various ragas, which give colour to the listeners and lighten their mood.

There are 72 melakartha ragas or parent ragas and more than a 100 janya ragas which are derived from them.

Ragas can also be classified based on the time of the day i.e.

morning ragas~Bhoopalam and Bowli, afternoon ragas ~ Bhimpalasi and Brindavani Sarang,

evening ragas ~Hamir Kalyani and Durga

night ragas ~Kurunji and Nilambari

Ragas are known to stimulate certain areas of the brain to release endorphins, the happiness hormones, which elevate a person’s mood.

A feeling of sadness is invoked by ragas like Shubhapanthuvarali and Sivaranjani

ragas like Mohanam and Kadanakuthukalam invoke happiness.

(Indian Journal of Surgery 2012 study )

-exposure to the raga Ananda Bhairavi showed a positive effect in postoperative pain management.

(This was evidenced by a reduction of 50% in the analgesic requirement for those who listened to the raga postoperatively for three days.)

Depression remedy

Kalyanavasantam

Shankarabharanam

( study by Dr Subramanian, )

The other diseases in which ragas and music therapy have been helpful are listed below:

Acidity: Raga Puriya Dhanashri is known to have positive effects in treating acidity and it also promotes a happy disposition.

Diabetes and Hypertension: Raga Bageshri calms the mind and promotes mental strength. This raga has been found to help control hypertension.

Easing Tension: Raga Darbari has been proven to be effective in reducing the stress levels of individuals. Its composition is attributed to Tansen, who composed it to calm Emperor Akbar after a stressful day.

BP Reduction: Raga Todi is effective in bringing down high blood pressure levels. Raga Ahir-Bhairav also does the same.

Hypotension: Raga Malkauns is helpful in treating patients who have very low blood pressure levels.

Tuberculosis, cancer, cold, sinusitis and toothache: Raga Bhairavi has been known to help patients suffering from these diseases.

Asthma and Sun-Stroke: Raga Malhar has shown good results in treating asthma patients.

Cold and Headache: A persistent headache and cold are effectively controlled by Raga Todi.

Blood Purification: Ragas Hindolam and Marva help cleanse the blood

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Ragas -Therapeutic Applications

(1B S Archana, 2Prashantha H S)

Abstract: Carnatic music, one of India's most profound classical traditions, has been historically linked to emotional well-being and therapeutic applications. Recent research highlights its potential role in music therapy, particularly in reducing stress, enhancing mental clarity, and promoting relaxation.

This study explores the scientific basis of Carnatic music therapy, focusing on the emotional and physiological effects of specific ragas.

Through computational analysis it is found that different raga structures interact with neural and psychological processes.

certain ragas have measurable benefits in mental health applications, (paving the way for AI-driven personalized music therapy solutions.)

1. Introduction

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for healing and emotional well-being. Across cultures, various musical forms have been used to enhance mental health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Carnatic music, one of the two main branches of Indian classical music, is known for its complex ragas, intricate rhythms, and devotional compositions.

In Carnatic music, ragas (melodic frameworks) are believed to have the power to evoke specific emotional and physical responses.

Carnatic music is a rich and complex system of melodies, rhythms, and expressions, but at its core, it’s about connecting with emotions and traditions through sound.

Musicians follow rules but also have the freedom to express themselves, creating something beautiful and unique each time they perform.

Literature

Music Therapy in Indian Tradition

Indian classical music has historically been associated with meditation, healing, and emotional balance. The ancient texts, such as the Sama Veda, emphasize the role of sound and melody in balancing the mind and body. Traditional Ayurvedic practices also acknowledge the therapeutic power of sound vibrations in balancing the body's doshas (vital energies).

Ragas and Emotions

ragas in Indian classical music are not just melodic structures but are imbued with emotional and psychological significance. Each raga is associated with a particular rasa (emotion) and is believed to have the power to influence mood and health. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of Carnatic ragas in treating conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Carnatic Music for Modern Wellness

Contemporary studies suggest that the repetitive patterns, rhythm, and scale of certain ragas in Carnatic music align with brainwave patterns associated with relaxation and focus.

Ragas Used for Wellness:

In Carnatic music, specific ragas are believed to have therapeutic qualities, each influencing the listener in unique ways.

some of the ragas that are commonly used for wellness purposes:

1. Raga Hamsadhwani

Emotional Effects: Hamsadhwani, evokes positive energy, promotes mental clarity, and reduces anxiety. Its bright and uplifting nature makes it suitable for morning meditation and starting the day with focus.

 Therapeutic Application: Used in treatments for depression and anxiety, Hamsadhwani has been shown to enhance concentration and mood.

2. Raga Shankarabharanam

 Emotional Effects: Shankarabharanam, a major scale raga, is associated with joy and tranquility. It is known for bringing a sense of peace and well-being to the listener.

 Therapeutic Application: This raga is often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is recommended for patients dealing with high levels of stress or chronic anxiety.

3. Raga Kalyani

 Emotional Effects: Kalyani is a highly positive and auspicious raga that is believed to bring mental strength and emotional balance. It is often used in devotional compositions, which adds a spiritual dimension to its therapeutic application.

 Therapeutic Application: Studies have suggested that Kalyani can help in overcoming sadness and grief. It is often played in settings meant to promote emotional healing and optimism.

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4. Raga Charukesi

 Emotional Effects: Charukesi is a raga known to evoke deep emotions such as pathos, compassion, and longing. It helps in emotional release, which can be beneficial for those dealing with bottled-up emotions.

 Therapeutic Application: This raga is used in therapy for emotional catharsis, helping individuals’ process grief, sadness, and other pent-up feelings. It has also been noted to help with insomnia and emotional instability.

5. Raga Bhoopalam

 Emotional Effects: Bhoopalam, a morning raga, is associated with serenity and mental focus. It is said to prepare the mind for the day ahead, helping with clarity and mindfulness.

 Therapeutic Application: It is often used in the treatment of sleep disorders and for improving focus in meditation practices. Bhoopalam is particularly effective in quieting an overactive mind

6. Raga Neelambari

 Emotional Effects: Known for its lullaby-like quality, Neelambari induces a deep sense of calm and is associated with promoting good sleep.

 Therapeutic Application: Neelambari is commonly used to treat insomnia and restlessness. It helps induce sleep and reduces mental agitation.

7. Raga Bilahari

Emotional Effects: Bilahari evokes joy, energy, and enthusiasm. It is uplifting and refreshing, making

it an excellent choice for combating fatigue and low energy levels.

 Therapeutic Application: Bilahari is used to enhance mental vitality and is often recommended for

those suffering from lethargy or emotional fatigue.

3. Methodology

Figure 1: Flow Diagram of the Time and frequency domain analysis

The figure 1 depicts the flow diagram of the time and frequency domain analysis

Flow Diagram Steps & Explanation

1️. Input: Audio Signal (Raga Performance) → captures the musical signal of the performed raga.

2️. Preprocessing (Noise Removal, Normalization) → cleans the signal by removing background noise and normalizing amplitude.

3️. Time Domain Analysis (Waveform, Envelope Extraction) → Extracts time-based features like amplitude envelope and temporal dynamics.

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4️. Frequency Domain Analysis (FFT, Spectrogram) → Converts signal to the frequency domain for pitch analysis.

5️. Feature Extraction (Pitch, Timbre, and Harmonics) → Extracts key characteristics that define ragas.

6️. Raga Classification (ML/DL Models) → Applies Machine Learning (ML) or Deep Learning (DL) for raga recognition.

7️. Output: Identified Raga & Time-Frequency Characteristics → the final identified raga with its unique spectral and temporal features.

4. Detail Analysis of Ragas

Table 1: Ragas with Carnatic and western notation

Raga Carnatic Notation

Hamsadhwani Arohana : S R2 G3 P N3 S Avarohana: S N3 P G3 R2 S

Western Notation

Ascending : C D E G B C Descending: C B G E D C

Description

Uses five notes, making it a pentatonic scale

Shankarabharanam

Arohana :SR2G3M1PD2 N3 S

Avarohana: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S

Ascending : C D E F G A BC

Descending: C B A G F E DC

Corresponds to the Ionian mode (major scale) in Western music.

Kalyani

Arohana :SR2G3M2PD2 N3 S

Avarohana: S N3 D2 P M2 G3 R2 S

Ascending :CDEF#G A BC

Descending: C B A G F# E DC

Uses a sharp fourth note (M2) and corresponds to the Lydian mode in Western music

Charukesi

Arohana :SR2G3M1PD1 N2 S

Avarohana: S N2 D1 P M1 G3 R2 S

Ascending:CDEFGA♭ B♭ C

Descending: C B♭ A♭ G F E DC

Similar to the Phrygian dominant scale in Western music with its use of the flattened 6th and 7th degrees.

Bhoopalam

Arohana : S R1 G3 P D1 S Avarohana: S D1 P G3 R1 S

Ascending : C D♭ E G A♭ C

Descending: C A♭ G E D♭ C

Has a pentatonic structure and uses a flattened second (R1) and a flattened fifth (D1).

Raga Neelambari

Arohana :SR2G3M1PD2 N2 S

Avarohana: S N2 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S

Ascending :CDEFGA♭ B♭ C

Descending: C B♭ A♭ G F E DC

Similar to the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode) in Western music, with its minor 6th and 7th.

Bilahari

Arohana : S R2 G3 P D2 S Avarohana: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S

Ascending :CDEGAC Descending: C B A G F E DC

It is a pentatonic raga on the ascending scale and follows the Ionian mode (major scale) with the full scale on the descending side.

Table 1 shows the notations (Western and Carnatic) for the ragas mentioned in the detailed study. These notations follow the standard Carnatic music format of using Swaras (notes) and represent the Arohana (ascending scale) and Avarohana (descending scale) of each raga.

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Here are the time domain and frequency domain plots for the Hamsadhwani raga:

 Time Domain: The signal shows the sum of sine waves corresponding to the notes in the Hamsadhwani raga (S, R2, G3, P, N3, S). You can see the waveforms representing the combined effect

of these notes over time.

 Frequency Domain: The frequency plot (FFT) shows the prominent frequencies corresponding to the

musical notes used in the raga. Peaks occur at the frequencies of the individual notes in the Hamsadhwani scale.

Carnatic music, when explained using engineering terminology, can be likened to a complex system governed by precise rules and mathematical principles, much like the concepts found in engineering domains such as signal processing, control systems, and acoustics.

From the study it is observed that,

1. Scientific Basis of Music Therapy

o The analysis demonstrated that certain ragas align with brainwave patterns associated with

relaxation, focus, and emotional healing.

o Studies indicate that specific melodic structures influence neurotransmitter activity, reducing

stress hormones such as cortisol and enhancing dopamine release. 2. Computational Insights

o Time and frequency domain analysis of ragas provided a deeper understanding of their structural properties.

o Machine learning techniques were used for raga identification and classification, offering an avenue for automated music therapy applications.

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3. Therapeutic Applications of Ragas

o Raga Hamsadhwani: Enhances concentration and mood, effective for anxiety management.

o Raga Shankarabharanam: Promotes stress relief and inner peace, ideal for meditative practices. o Raga Kalyani: Supports emotional healing and overcoming grief.

o Raga Charukesi: Facilitates emotional catharsis, beneficial for psychological therapy.

o Raga Bhoopalam: Induces mental clarity and aids in meditative focus.

o Raga Neelambari: Promotes better sleep and reduces insomnia.

o Raga Bilahari: Uplifts mood, combating emotional fatigue.

6. Conclusions and future directions

The study explored the therapeutic impact of Carnatic music, particularly the influence of specific ragas on mental and emotional well-being. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining music therapy principles, signal processing techniques, and computational analysis, the study identified the potential of seven key ragas in promoting relaxation, emotional balance, and cognitive enhancement.

Future Directions

o Integration of AI and Deep Learning for real-time emotion-based raga recommendations.

o Development of personalized music therapy applications leveraging biofeedback mechanisms. o Clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of Carnatic music in psychiatric treatment and stress

management.

This research underscores the scientific significance of Carnatic music in wellness applications, bridging the gap between traditional music therapy and modern computational techniques. Future advancements in music informatics and AI-driven analysis could further revolutionize the field of personalized music therapy.

7. References

1. P. Chanda and D. Levitin, "The Neurochemistry of Music," Trends in Cognitive Sciences, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 179-193, 2013.

2. S. Koelsch, "A Neuroscientific Perspective on Music Therapy," Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1169, no. 1, pp. 374-384, 2009.

3. M. Sairam and K. Kumaran, "The Emotional and Therapeutic Significance of Ragas in Indian Classical Music," Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 132-136, 2008.

4. B. Patil, "Carnatic Music and Stress Reduction: A Review of Empirical Studies," International Journal of Music Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 42-56, 2019.

5. T. Sundararajan, "The Acoustic Properties of Carnatic Ragas and Their Psychological Impact," Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 333, no. 6, pp. 1585-1598, 2015.

6. R. Sharma and A. Gupta, "Automated Raga Recognition Using Machine Learning," IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language Processing, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 556-568, 2019.

7. V. Rao, "A Computational Approach to Music Therapy: Signal Processing of Indian Ragas," Journal of Music Technology Research, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 72-89, 2020.

8. A. Bose and S. Kumar, "The Effect of Raga Kalyani on Heart Rate Variability and Stress Reduction," Journal of Complementary Medicine, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 89-97, 2018.

9. N. Patel, "The Science of Nada Yoga: Sound Therapy in Indian Classical Music," Proceedings of the International Conference on Music Therapy, pp. 112-120, 2021.

10. K. Iyengar, "Meditation and Music: A Synthesis of Carnatic Ragas and Mindfulness," Journal of Indian Musicology, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 48-59, 2017.

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