Musopathy practices like TBT are similar to many preventative wellness solutions like Yoga, Pranayama etc but with added benefits because they organically promote healthy breathing practices in a musical way that is relaxing to both the mind and body. Healthy breathing often translates to healthier bodies and minds. This is one of the reasons why a number of classical musicians tend to live longer with better health than many others (at times, despite a lot of professional/personal stress or consumption of wrong foods / drinks). The rhythm-centri MANET can also promote good health in several other ways.
While data from observations so far suggests that Musopathy offers numerous physiological benefits, the intervention cannot be self-administered. Therefore, it is best to seek the guidance of Musopathists at least initially for optimal results.
TBT for Sore Throat and Voice Clarity: A sore throat can result from various causes but when it is caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as talking, singing, or shouting, TBT can help alleviate such discomfort. Additionally, TBT can improve the overall quality of one’s voice and bestow it with an attractive texture, which in turn can make one a compelling communicator.
Neck & Face Muscle Strain: Many people with poor posture experience muscle tension, particularly around the neck, back, shoulders, and even the face. The controlled exhalation combined with Tonation can help relax specific muscle groups in these areas when performed correctly. It is important to mentally focus on the areas that are strained while doing TBT for this purpose.
Pain Management: Pain serves an important function by alerting us to issues in the body, such as a bruise or sprain. However, chronic pain (or more accurately, suffering) requires multi-faceted management, including non-invasive methods like Hot-Cold Therapy, meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, physical activity, yoga, biofeedback, music therapy, and more. TBTs like Nasal and Pursed Lips integrate the benefits of several of these approaches and can be an effective tool to distract one from suffering.
Cancer Care: Cancer patients experience several symptoms and also severe side effects from treatments depending on location of the tumour. For instance those affected by brain tumour face headaches, nausea, vision issues, unexpected seizures, weakness, numbness, balance issues, memory loss, confusion, trouble speaking, fatigue, hearing issues, dizziness or vertigo, swallowing or breathing difficulties. Side effects can include hair loss, cognitive and hormone imbalances. Musopathy cannot address the cause of the tumour itself, it can contribute substantially to complementary care in a non-invasive manner. TBT and MANET can play major roles in combating both Anxiety and Depression, help in Pain and Mood Management and Cognitive Revitalisation for patients facing “chemobrain” from treatments. Musopathy can calm brain activity and boost memory and focus, aiding daily functioning without pharmaceuticals.
Mandibular & Dental Pain: The Mandibular area, covering the lower lip, jaw, lower teeth and tongue, is one of the three branches of the Trigeminal system, which is centered on the 5th cranial nerve. Any imbalance in the region (like TMD, arthritis, or muscular tension) can result in dull ache near the ear and jaw muscle that can at times radiate to the neck, limited ability to open the mouth, pain during jaw movement, earaches or headache. Dental pain can be localised and sharp and can be triggered by hot/cold food or pressure. It is usually caused by tooth infection, decay or gum disease. Symptoms include swelling around the affected area. Once specialists have addressed the causes, TBT – especially Puffed Cheeks Tonation – can come handy to manage the pain, as often as required.
Sinus Discomfort: Many people experience sinus-related discomfort, including headaches. TBTs like Nasal Tonation and Buzz Tonation have been shown to be helpful in such cases.
Sleep Disorders: Insomnia is a widespread issue, with millions of people struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Many also wake up at inconvenient hours and find it difficult to return to sleep, leading to fatigue during their daily activities. Nasal TBT has been demonstrated to have enabled practitioners to not only fall asleep speedily but also enjoy a less interrupted sleep pattern thereafter, increasing their overall feeling of wellbeing and productivity.
MUSOPATHY & RHYTHMIC ELEMENTS FOR SPEECH AND MOTOR SKILL REHABILITATION
Musopathy also features special programs which leverage on using South Indian Carnatic Classical Vocal Percussion (known as Konnakkol) and unique Rhythmic Time Keeping (Tala execution) techniques for Speech and Motor Movement rehabilitation.
The way in which Talas are physically expressed by artists and even knowledgeable listeners through a combination of specific hand gestures, especially in Carnatic do not merely reflect the various parts that constitute each Tala. These rhythmic movements of the hands and fingers improve blood circulation, enhance mental alertness and mindfulness and contributes to mood rejuvenation. In summation, this synergy between physical time and rhythmic expression, can bestow immense benefits to those suffering from coordination issues.
Konnakkol Speech Therapy
Vocal Percussion is a unique type of ‘drum language’ which was pioneered in South Indian Music and called Konnakkol. Every rhythmic phrase can be expressed verbally through unique single syllables which enable one to not only create exciting rhythmic patterns but also communicate these to students of any instrument. This enables Indian drummers to communicate easily amongst themselves. From a health point of view, Konnakkol enhances fluency of speech and is increasingly viewed by Music Therapists and Musopathists as a tool for speech rehabilitation, especially for stroke patients and others who may have slurring and other disorders. Konnakkol involves repeating rhythmic patterns of various lengths such as ta ka dhi mi (4), ta ki Ta (3), ta ka ta ki Ta (5) etc in various speeds over time. One can gradually be taught to combine them in various ways. An important by-product of Konnakkol is increased brain engagement and cognitive abilities.
