When Yoga Met Music: A Journey of Healing

Today is both World Music Day & World Yoga Day and I really want to dive deep into the transformative power of yoga and music. In this piece, while I’ll talk about how music & yoga can also be therapeutic activities, I’ll also open up a bit about how these two incredible therapies have personally impacted my life. When Yoga Met Music: A Journey of Healing!

???? Let's start with yoga. One point I really want to drive home is that yoga is not some extraordinary, separate clinical practice—it's a habit, a routine. Just like your morning coffee or evening wind-down, yoga becomes a part of your life. The benefits? Mind-blowing! In my own journey, yoga played a significant role in overcoming physical and mental health challenges. From sporadic practice to finding solace in it, yoga became my superhero. On most days, I try to reel in my daughter as well in the mornings to practice together - even if it’s just a simple balancing posture!

Imagine chronic pain, neuropathy, and limited mobility—quite a tough phase, right?That was me couple years ago battling an exaggerated sympathetic response to my post-traumatic stress disorder after a personal loss. This left me incapacitated physically because of neuropathic dysfunction on the right side of my body. I initially tried physiotherapy, but it was yoga that truly turned things around. It strengthened not only my spine and core but my entire being. Remarkably, it also had a positive impact on my gut health, and hormonal balance, and even helped alleviate the psychological challenges of dealing with grief too. Who knew love and loss could break not just hearts but spine too. Thanks to yoga i found my way back to life.?

Yoga's essence goes beyond asanas (poses) – it encompasses breathwork, posture training, and mindfulness. It became the key to my physical recovery and mental well-being. Today, my routine consists of 60% yoga and breathwork, accompanied by a 40% brisk walk.

If you’re looking to inculcate yoga into your life (I highly suggest you do) - start simple! For eg: by sitting on a patch of grass or on a cozy mat. Yoga is a journey, a way of life, and its benefits are available to all.

?? Now, let's tune into the world of music therapy. We've always known that music soothes our souls and helps us break free. But have you considered its therapeutic benefits? It goes beyond emotional and psychological well-being. Recent research reveals that music triggers chemical releases of happiness hormones in our brains, such as endorphins, cortisol, and dopamine. These chemicals can physically and mentally alter a person, making music therapy a powerful tool in managing mental health disorders like anxiety and mood disorders.

Moreover, music's impact on neuroplasticity facilitates the management of degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Here’s an extract from something that I wrote for The Shillong Times that dives into this a little bit more:

Music as a vibratory stimulus triggers chemical releases of happy hormones, namely Endorphins-the euphoric brain chemical, Cortisol-the stress-reducing hormone, and Dopamine- the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter within the brain, altering a person physically and mentally. Hence music therapy can be used in managing patients with mental health disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders. Also, since music affects neuroplasticity of the brain, it can facilitate the management of degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”

For me personally, music has been my steadfast companion throughout my life. During times of trauma and grief, it played a pivotal role in helping me find solace, battle inner fears, and alleviate anxiety. It became my refuge. That's why I encouraged my daughter, Tanu, to embrace music as well. Whether it's through soothing melodies or breathwork in yoga, these practices help us discover our inner strength and overcome the battles within our minds.

As we celebrate World Music Day and World Yoga Day, let's acknowledge the extraordinary power of yoga and music. They are not mere hobbies or workouts; they are transformative therapies that can heal us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let yoga become a part of your routine, allowing you to harness strength and inner peace. And don't underestimate the magic of music—it can uplift your spirits, manage mental health disorders, and even impact the neuroplasticity of your brain.

And to those who wonder how is music therapeutic, here’s one of favourite choices in instrumental music that is truly soul food. Check this out and leave me a heart if it speaks to your soul Chopin-Spring Waltz (Mariage d'Amour)

With yoga and music as your companions, embark on a journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. A Journey of Healing indeed!

Happy World Music & Yoga Day! ??