Music therapy or Gandharva-Veda
In ancient India, we called Gandharva-Veda what today corresponds to music therapy. In other words, the Gandharva-Veda is that branch of Ayurveda which teaches how to use music to cure or prevent disease. Admittedly, this approach consists, for example, in exposing yourself to certain types of music depending on the time of day or your doshic profile.
For example, at the beginning of the day, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., it is a Kapha cycle. So you can play upbeat and uplifting music to “start the engine”. Which is a good alternative to caffeine….
At the end of the day, the period from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. corresponds to a Pitta cycle. Since 10 p.m. is normally the time to go to sleep, listen to soothing music, which will calm Pitta. Otherwise, you risk activating it and starting a new doshic cycle. You will then have difficulty falling asleep before 2am.
Doshic profile
In addition, it is important to take your doshic profile into account.
If you are Vata-dominant, be aware that fast or loud music can enhance your natural tendency to fidget and wander. Listen to more slow, soothing music.
for thePitta, you probably like fast music, expressing powerful or even violent emotions (which illustrate your inner fire). You will therefore benefit from listening to more calming or light music – but not necessarily slow – to attenuate this fire which can destroy you if it amplifies too much.
If you are predominantly Kapha, slow, melancholic music can weigh you down even more and reinforce your tendency towards inertia. Opt preferably for rhythmic and light music, such as New Orleans jazz style.
In general, you don’t have to deprive yourself of listening to the music you like. Once again, pleasure is your best guide. We must also take into account the fact that what can emerge in one person can calm the other, and vice versa.
Music effect
Well dosed, the liberating or purifying effect of music can also play a beneficial role. This is why even frantic and chaotic music played at full volume (hard rock etc.) can paradoxically have a soothing effect, serving as an outlet for subconscious emotions.
Didn’t Aristotle also say that tragedy provoked purification, that is to say a “purgation of the passions”? Of course, you should not abuse this kind of music, if only to preserve your hearing…
That said, it’s all about becoming very aware of the effect that rhythms and melodies have on you. Learn to listen to music with your whole body, not just your ears. Feel in a very physical way the vibrations of the music, which enter you and make your body vibrate.
Play an instrument
One of the best ways to feel the benefits of music is to play it! Piano, guitar, cello… it’s up to you to choose the instrument that suits you the most. Personally, I advise all Yoga practitioners and especially teachers, to play music. It is not necessary to become a virtuoso, what matters is the pleasure of playing it and especially the impact of the notes on our brain.
I myself have noticed a considerable effect of improving my clarity of mind, my sleep, my well-being, each time I play the piano (especially before sleeping). Learning late can be daunting, but know that we learn at all ages! Studies show that even in the elderly (> 80 years old), applying 1 hour to a task doubles the number of neurons specific to it.
By playing music, you will have the pleasure of listening but also all the benefits of stimulation to play (brain synchronization, etc.). Essestial !