THE ART OF TRANQUILITY

SOUND HEALING CENTER

MARTINA ABRAHAM/ 2016PA0020

 ABSTRACT

With onset of Digital era humans have created a different array of existence. The way in which
humans perceived their social contacts, workability and culture has altered significantly.

There are 5 senses through which we experience day to day life. The digital age had made us
deficient of our archaic way to experience life. We are capable to connect with fellow humans and
other entities but lack the touch and substance of physical presence has lead to lack of a
wholesome connection between environment and the individual.
This also affects the way architecture is shaped.

We see architecture getting more and more shut off from the exteriors, separating people from
elements, organizing the parameters of functions that affect how we live and feel. These
interactions and experiences encountered in, on, under and around the architectural forms are
often monotonous and ordinary. This has very well led being cause of “daily unease” of stress,
fatigue, exhaustion till the point when one starts to only look at survival than living. This “daily
unease” is not just in terms of measurable experiences (light, smell, touch, taste & sound etc.) but
also in terms of immeasurable experiences (memory, unity, serenity, etc.). This enclosed
environment has not just affected culture but human perceptions about living as well. Lack of social
spaces, interactions, engaging in cumulative efforts with nature has lead humans in path of being
self-centered and one with narrowed vision about life. Hence, also taping on the psychological
health in bad terms.

With the comforts that this era has offered, the shortcoming involve extreme social connectivity
and immoderate stimulations; enough to create a chaotic scenario where focusing on single entity
for long period has become a myth. Individuals try to fit in certain breaks in life such as listening to
music, watching a movie or as simple as walking in a park to escape the notion unease. However, it
buries the problem than solving providing a short term comfort. Humans have a complex mind and
desire stimulatory and sensory experiences on various different levels which also involves self-
introspection. Yet the man-made environment currently has imbalance of space to unwind and
space to moil.

This thesis explores connection between human and the natural and man-made environment, its
effects on psychology and solutions that could be intervened with current scenario to improve
mental well-being of individuals across the globe; who desire to seek it. It also addresses existential
intelligence within human mind, which just like wisdom growth is a never ending process and need
consistent evolution; hence the name “THE ART OF TRANQUILITY : SOUND HEALING CENTER”. A
place of hope and growth.
 INTRODUCTION
ORIGIN

This project ”ART OF TRANQUILITY : SOUND HEALING CENTER” deal with designing Architectural
intervention using sensorial architecture to induce self- realization and exploration.
Any experience is experienced through three stages - first via stimulation by the subject which needs
to be experienced, second via any living who perceives it through sense receptors and third stage
deals with how it responds to those stimulation. All these three stages in a nutshell could be
categorized as “Sensorial experience”. These consistent back and forth experiences induces process
introspection and in turn action in lines with it.

EXPLORATION

• Stress, anxiety, expression have been common mental well-being issues faced by almost every human being in
much more frequency than ever before. The impact of the sensorial experience in terms of tangible and
intangible aspects of living was noted.
• Issue was jotted down to derive an architectural intervention that could be have been a catalyst or a solution
for improvement for the issue. It was observed that sensorial even though is a common sense for the design
of environment we live in, it is being neglected due to various other factors of living leading to mental health
crisis of the century.
• The issue jotted down was an intangible issue which might not be completely solved only via providing an
architectural intervention. But, proposing an intervention that is focused on mental well-being, coupled with
sensorial architecture and various other interdisciplinary practices can become a catalyst to the solution of
issue.
NEED FOR THE STUDY
• We are living in times where many architectural structures we experienced on daily basis lack
existential depth. Hence, experience created are either monotonous or chaotic. Either way the
impact is observed through deranged mental well being coupled with unhinged lifestyle.
• The lifestyle and culture that today’s times especially in urban setting with high stress levels and
suicides simple measures could be taken to ensure well-being or creating environment in smaller
pockets. However in practical and real time terms; each time accessing them in a compromised
space it not a long term solution nor most of the times it does address the issue. The issue is
harnessing wisdom of existence which runs much deeper and personal for every individual
depends on various factors. Providing an environment (architecture) that can be the catalyst for
the issue but not a wholesome solution as we are addressing intangible via tangible aspect. As an
architect I can so far as help induce those senses and feeling required to achieve introspection and
higher wisdom via architecture.
• Human mind is complicated so is how it processes introspection. Understanding lengths and
breadths how these processes function and there connection with architecture is to be
understood. Sensorial architecture can help establish some connection and have much efficient
impact on precise sense of experiences I mean to stimulate.
 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
AIM:

OBJECTIVES:

Concept:
• Understanding issues and in what ways it could be improved.
• Understanding need for introspection and ways to achieve it. Understanding need for healing
center and its requirements.
• Understanding sensorial experiences and its relation to architecture.
• Understanding symbiotic relationship between “sensory, architecture, nature, human and their
psychometrics”.
• Understanding source and factors that impact today’s architecture in terms of relationship with
nature and sensory and how is it affecting mental well-being.

Design:
• Implementation of research on architectural design intervention
• Understanding users of the healing center.
• Understanding earthquake resistant architecture.
• Understanding design strategies.
• Formulation of design program and its implementation.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What causes deranged mental health? How to have long term mental well-being in today’s
lifestyle?
• What is introspection? What are the factors that affect it and how can it help better mental well
being?
• How can healing help in betterment of mental well being?
• How does sensorial architecture affect mental well-being of an individual?
• What is earthquake resistant architecture and its strategies?
• What are the design strategies for tropical, wet and dry climatic region?
 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

SCOPE

• Exploring concept introspection, its need, how can it be achieved and how it can
• improve mental well-being.
• Exploration of sensorial experience and its symbiotic relationship between architecture , nature,
humans and their psychometry.
• Exploring factors and source affecting multisensorial experience and mental well-being.
• Exploring activities and spaces that could be provided.
• Exploring earthquake resistant architecture and designing on contours.
• Exploring design strategies for a tropical, wet and dry climatic region.

LIMITATION

• Creating new philosophical thought of living.

• Conducting internation live case studies
• Adapting all existing philosophies and research concepts in design.
• Replicating traditional architecture design strategies in present condition.
 METHODOLOGY

The methodology has been derived in 4 stages as follows:

➢ First Stage: Understanding the Mental well- being and Sensorial

architecture

Existing state of research

• We are living in times of digitalization and globalization which has brough about various pros
and cons. As much as it has given comforts and advance humanity. The culture of humanity has
been impacted and altered drastically due to it which indirectly affect place making and
architecture.
• Comforts of living are provided at the doorsteps there is much need employment for jobs that
are confined and enclosed within tall glass structures. With humans spending maximum time
interiors engaged in confined to interiors jobs as such social and environmental integration is
taking toll. Stress being the most common impact. The issue is no longer materialistic, its
existential. Creation of spaces that offer to deal with existentialism and effective expression of
values for long term benefits is what is needed. Architecture can help create that by
multisensorial focus in space making.

Understanding introspection process and human mind

• Architecture that would be intervened via this research would ultimately created spaces and
induce experiences for introspection. The research has dived deep into understanding the
process of introspection as whole and how exterior environment also affects it.

Sensorial architecture
• A human experiences space via his 5 senses. Disproportionate stimulations can leads a human’s
mental well-being into jeopardy. Hence understanding sensoriality in the place making,
designing, and much sensitive towards human well-being and nature of the context has been
looked into.

➢ Second Stage: Data Collection and Analysis

• Understanding culture we follow for a base start is very important as it creates the very
background and purpose of the intervention. Mental well-being in based on various factors. That
would be explored in this segment. Environment being a key factor impacting mental well-being
is also researched.
• Occupation, age, gender, personal responsibilities, location of living and day to day routine a
person follows becomes key factor for impact on mental health. Collection of data related to
these factors give us an insight of scenario of current time. Hence analysis of data has helped
establish what kind of intervention is needed to counter the issue.
➢ Third Stage: Deriving Proposal and Intervention
• After analysis of data collected a conclusion is derived. For which architectural intervention is
proposed. There might be several derivations that could be made. While with comparing pros
and cons for each can determine the most apt solution for the issue. Not every issues is such
that it could be completely solved via architectural intervention however it could be a catalyst to
do so. Spiritual retreat is what is derived from the research as best possible architectural
intervention.

➢ Fourth Stage: Application and Design Programming

• After derivation of architectural intervention on basis of the data collection and analysis. Question of
location, users its catering to, how will the intervention will function and be con- structed are at question.
The study of these question is derived through research of material location and user analysis. This is
where the architectural design process starts. The process which I proceeded with goes as follows:
 BACKGROUND STUDY
“Study the monochord and you will know the secrets of the universe”
– Pythagoras

MARTINA ABRAHAM | 2016PA0020 | 26

 CONTENTS

I. HISTORY : SOUND HEALING – ANCIENT SOUNDS

• Aboriginal sound healing
• Sound healing in ancient Egypt & Greece

II. WHAT IS SOUND HEALING/THERAPY ?

• Sound : The origin of creation
• Sound vibration & frequency
• Sound healing & science
• Core principles
• Sound healing instruments
• User benefits & forms of sound therapy
• Precautions, side effects, research & general acceptance

III. SOUND HEALING IN INDIA

• Abstract
• Historical overview
• Indian culture & music
• Indian music & spirituality
• Steps to promote music therapy
• Conclusion
HISTORY– ANCIENT SOUNDS
 Most ancient cultures used the seemingly magical power of sound to heal.
Sound healing had almost disappeared in the west until the 1930s when acoustic
researchers discovered ultrasound and its medical properties.
With this discovery, research burgeoned and today the ancient art of sound
healing is rapidly developing into a new science.

ABORIGINAL SOUND HEALING

• The Aboriginal people of Australia are the first known culture to heal with sound. Their ‘yidaki’
(modern name, didgeridoo) has been used as a healing tool for at least 40,000 years.
• The Aborigines healed broken bones, muscle tears and illnesses of every kind using their
enigmatic musical instrument.
• Interestingly, the sounds emitted by the yidaki are in alignment with modern sound healing
technology. It is becoming apparent that the wisdom of the ancients was based on ‘sound’
principles.

The most ancient of all sound healing instruments—the Yidaki

source: https://www.tokenrock.com/sound-healing/sounds-of-the-ancients/
SOUND HEALING IN ANCIENT EGYPT

• The Egyptian culture extends back to 4000 BC and they have a long tradition of vowel sound
chant.
• The Egyptians believed that vowel sounds were sacred, so much so that their written
hieroglyphic language contains no vowels. We can, therefore, safely assume that vowel sound
chant carried a powerful significance for their priests.
• Egyptian priestesses used sistra, a type of musical rattle instrument with metal discs that creates
not only a pleasant jangling sound but, as we now know, also generates copious amounts of
ultrasound.
• Ultrasound is an effective healing modality and is used today in hospitals and clinics so it is
entirely possible that ceremonies in which many sistra were used were not merely employed to
enhance the musical soundscape but were intended to enhance the healing effect.

A hypothetical sound healing ritual in the King’s Chamber

In the wall scene below, from a building erected by Queen Hatshepsut, three priestesses play
sistra, accompanying a harpist, another instrument known to have healing qualities.
source: https://www.tokenrock.com/sound-healing/sounds-of-the-ancients/
SOUND HEALING IN ANCIENT GREECE

• The Greek, Pythagoras (circa 500 BC) was, in a very real sense, the father of music therapy.
• ‘Pythagoras considered that music contributed greatly to health, if used in the right way…He called
his method ‘musical medicine’…To the accompaniment of Pythagoras’ his followers would sing in
unison certain chants…At other times his disciples employed music as medicine, with certain
melodies composed to cure the passions of the psyche…anger and aggression.’

The Sanatorium at Dendera, Egypt

Note the small cells where patients would undergo dream sleep incubation and music therapy

• In the Greco-Roman period healing temples were used for ‘incubation,’ a process in which patients
underwent ‘dream sleep,’ among other known modalities. It seems likely that music was used
therapeutically during their stay.
• The reverberant spaces of the healing temples and sanatoria would have enhanced the
therapeutic aspects of musical instruments, mainly a function of the parallel-facing stone walls.

• By sprinkling sand on a gong, then striking

the central area, tuning in ancient times (and
even today by some makers) is achieved. If
the resulting sand patterns were
asymmetrical the gong maker would
continue to shape and beat the metal.
• As a musical instrument the gong has
wonderful healing properties because it
contains virtually the whole spectrum of
audible sound. Human cells, immersed in the
gong’s sound field, absorb the frequencies
they need—a kind of sonic food—and reject
what is not needed.
GONG source: https://www.tokenrock.com/sound-healing/sounds-of-the-ancients/
WHAT IS SOUND HEALING/THERAPY ?
SOUND : THE ORIGIN OF CREATION
• I’d like us to remember and honor our ancestors, everyone who has come before us and used
these pure sounds for thousands and thousands of years. Going back to the pyramids 4500 years
ago to the King’s Chamber and how they used granite walls and ceilings to reflect and enhance
the volume and strength of sound to heal.
• These ancient civilizations around the world have known the power of sound, the word, the
voice and of music for thousands and thousands of years and still make the most of this power
to this day. For example, Christians and Muslims utilize the power of sound in the form of Prayer,
whilst Hindus and Buddhists employ sound in the style of Mantras and for the Shamanic
Traditions, they use ancient Chants to reap all the benefits that sound has to give.
• Sound healing traditions date back all throughout history, to over 40,000 years ago where the
Australian Aboriginals used the Digeridoo, along with chants and dancing in ceremonies for the
purpose of healing and spiritual journeying. The length of the Digeridoo decides it’s sound, the
shorter the instrument, the higher the pitch and the longer the instrument the deeper the pitch.
This concept is accurately reflected by the Monochord made by Pythagoras, which shows the
direct connection between music, math and geometry (the harmonic ratios of sound).
• From the 1960s on, interest in alternative medicine and New Age healing has led to a wide
variety of sound healing therapies. These range from the ancient practice of chanting and the
use of singing bowls to vibro-acoustic furniture.

SOUND, VIBRATION AND FREQUENCY

These pure sounds and pure vibrations are listed
below, with their frequency and their purpose in
short:
• 174Hz – Foundations and Reduces Pain
396Hz – Liberates Guilt, Fear and Ego
417Hz – Facilitating Change and Expand
consciousness
432Hz – Universal Harmony
528Hz – Transformation and Miracles
639Hz – Enables Connection, Unity
and Relationships
741Hz – Awaken Intuition, Creativity and
Expressivity
852Hz – Returning to Spiritual Order
936Hz – Restorative, Oneness, Opens Third
Eye and Awakens Perfect State
source :https://wellnessvibe.com/sound-healing-mumbai/
1122Hz – Mastery Frequency
SOUND HEALING AND SCIENCE

• Sound healing is pure science used by the ancients. There are no differences in the benefits of
sound from over 40,000 years ago and from today.
• Only now, we have the opportunity to scientifically read and record the consequences of sound
through electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms.
• Understanding sound on a deeper level and on a scientific level, is essential for optimizing the
healing and therapeutic benefits that sound has to offer, for ourselves and our communities
because the more we can prove scientifically the benefits of sound healing, the more that people
will believe in it and in succession, the more people that can heal and benefit from the harmony
of sound.

source :https://wellnessvibe.com/sound-healing-mumbai
CORE PRINCIPLES OF SOUND HEALING
• All life is vibration, as is the mind and matter itself.
• Everything is in movement, from electrons circling the nucleus in an atom, to planets revolving
around suns in galaxies. Everything vibrates and if it vibrates, it is making a sound. – Novalis
• Ancient scriptures and practices around human wellness, always involved sound as part of their
therapy process. Now, science too, has begun to re-discover the secrets of resonance and its
impact on our well-being.
• Wellness therapies which is a synergy of ancient methods coupled with scientific technology,
adopt the natural resonance of attracting what one wants to achieve: love, happiness, personal
development, health and abundance.
• According to Spend Shastra, one of our ancient scriptures, we are not separated from the
vibrations that are interdependent in its resonance and fundamentals which help to maintain and
regulate our mood and health.
• According to quantum physics, sound frequencies bring balance, relaxation and wholeness to our
body. A group of elements create sound which may be used for healing, transformation or
relaxation.
• Life needs a pause, to introspect and create wellness within us, enabling us to move forward with
renewed vigor.
LIST OF SOUND HEALING INSTRUMENTS

There are countless sound healing instruments out there and really, any instrument can be used for
healing when applied with positive intention. I’ve made a list of some of the most popular ones. My
favorites are among the lyre and harp.
• THE VOICE
• DIGERIDOO
• CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS, TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS
• CHIMES, BELL WIND CHIMES
• BALINESE BELL, DORGE MEDITATION BELL, GHANTA BELL
• HARMONY BALLS
• FLUTES, FLUTE BONES, NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE, PAN FLUTE
• RAINSTICK
• MEDICINE RATTLE
• SHAKERS SINGING BOWL
• TUNING FORKS
• DRUM, HANG DRUM, HAMMERED DRUM, DJEMBE, BUFFALO DRUM, FRAME DRUM, TONGUE
DRUM
• KALIMBA
• GONGS
• HARP
• LYRE
• LITHOPHONE
• HAMMERED DULCIMER
• CYMBALS, TIBETAN TINGSHA CYMBALS
• MONOCHORD, MONOCHORD CHAIR
• CRYSTAL SINGING PYRAMID HANDPANS

GONG OCEAN DRUMS TONGUE DRUMS

source
:https://www.gear4music.com/news/article/Sou
nd-Healing-Instruments-Discover-the-Benefits-
TUNING FORK of-Sound-Therapy/7R1/2019-12-17
A FEW OF THE DOCUMENTED BENEFITS OF SOUND HEALING ARE:

• AFFECTS ALL CELLS IN YOUR BODY.

• BALANCES BOTH HEMISPHERES OF THE BRAIN.
• CHANGES OUR OLD PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR, HABITS AND WAY OF THINKING THAT NO LONGER
SERVE US AND ARE HARMFUL TO OUR HEALTH.
• CLEANSES NEGATIVE ENERGY AND EMOTIONS.
• HELPS CONNECT WITH YOUR HIGHER SELF.
• LET’S YOU EXPERIENCE DEEP RELAXATION STATES.
• HELPS TO RECOVER AFTER ILLNESS, TRAUMAS AND INVASIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTS.
• HELPS TO COPE WITH LIFE’S CHALLENGES.
• IMPROVES SLEEP.
• INCREASES VITAL ENERGY FLOW, CREATIVITY, INTUITION AND MOTIVATION.
• MAKES POSITIVE CHANGES TO OUR WHOLE BEING.
• REMOVES BLOCKAGES AND TOXINS.
• SELF-REGENERATION.
• STIMULATES CIRCULATION.
• STIMULATES ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND REGULATES HORMONAL FUNCTIONING.
• STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM.
• REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY.

source: https://www.healthline.com/health/sound-healing source: https://www.healthline.com/health/sound-healing

OTHER FORMS OF SOUND THERAPY

The spectrum of sound therapy includes such other treatments as:

• Audiotapes with special frequencies or music are designed for conditions ranging from AIDS to
weight problems. Costs will vary. Some recordings are said to target both the emotional and
physical aspects of these conditions.
• Tuning forks are used to give the person resonance. This is said to help the person relax and give
balance. Costs vary.
• Hemi-sync therapy involves listening to synthesized sounds to balance both hemispheres of the
brain. This is said to produce an altered state of consciousness.
• Adaptation of age-old instruments such as the Tibetan singing bowls. Sound from these bowls can
be used in conjunction with chanting or meditation . Tibetan monks used bronze bowls.
PRECAUTIONS

• Although treatments like the Tomatis method and cymatics require training in those therapies,
there are no certification programs for practitioners of other therapies.
• While there is no danger from such therapies as chanting, other forms of sound therapy should
not be undertaken until a doctor or health practitioner is consulted. People with pacemakers
should not do cymatics.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Sound therapy has produced no known side effects or complications.

RESEARCH & GENERAL ACCEPTANCE

• Sound therapy is so diverse that the amount of research and general acceptance in the United
States is varied.
• Music therapy has been accepted within the traditional medical community. Other therapies such
as chanting and toning have been integrated into traditional treatment of cancer.
• Furthermore, some studies indicated that auditory integration training and the Tomatis method
could be used for behavioral problems.
• Much of the medical community remains dubious about the healing effects of treating patients'
unhealthy cells with sound waves.
• Although a clinic or center may provide testimonials from cured patients, there has been no
scientific research to prove this.
• While the traditional medical community remains skeptical about some aspects of sound therapy,
treatment has been undertaken by people around the world. Therapies are available in areas
including North America, Europe, and Japan.
SOUND HEALING IN INDIA
 THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF INDIAN MUSIC AND STEPS TO IMPART
AWARENESS FOR MUSIC (RAGA) THERAPY IN INDIAN MASSES

ABSTRACT

Modern science and medicine are now rediscovering the healing powers of music. It’s a yoga system
through the medium of sonorous sounds. Depending on its nature, a raga could induce or intensify
joy or sorrow, violence or peace, and it is this quality which forms the basis for musical application.
Music therapy carries a great vintage in the ancient holistic medical science of India. The whole
subject of music medical therapy is now getting attention from across the world. In India, the stream
still grabs a backseat and needs to be empowered with certain advertising tools. In this paper, author
has endeavored to bring the real scenarios of Indian culture and human temperament; present place
of music therapy in India and suggested the steps to promote it in the Indian masses.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
• Healing through sounds is not a new field in India. It has been practiced in ancient India and the
world in meditation, penance, God worship, heeling and other rituals.
• Music and sounds have been adequately used as a transcending tool in all the era be it ancient,
medieval or modern.
• Much ancient is the association between music and mind. It can be dated back to the Vedic age,
where attempts were made to relate “seven” basic notes of music and the “eight” basic moods
identified in the Indian drama theory.
• The seven basic notes are - sadaja, rishaba, gandhara, madhyama, panchama, dhaivata and
nishada; whereas, the eight basic emotions are - sringar (love), hasya (laughter), karuna
(compassion), vira (heroism), raudra (wrath), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust) and adbhuta
(wonder). Love and laughter are associated with madhyama and panchama notes; wrath, wonder
and heroism with sadaja and rishaba; nishada and gandhara with compassion; and dhaivata with
disgust and fear.
• Several sects of ‘bhakti’ such as Chaitanya Sampradaya, Vallabha Sampradaya have all accorded
priority to music healing.
• Medieval historical records too indicate that one Swami Haridas, guru of the famous musician in
Akbar’s time, Tan Sen is credited with the recovery of one of the queens of the Emperor with a
selected raga.
• The most recent and memorable instances of Music Therapy have been noted during the First
World War.
• Musicians of many varieties, both amateur and professional were brought into hospitals to
perform for the infirm soldiers and were seen to have therapeutic effects upon the injured.
• Doctors and nurses as well witnessed some of the miraculous effects of music upon the soldiers
and although they were aware of the need for a more structured academic environment to train
the musicians, they were also patently aware of the power of music to heal.
INDIAN CULTURE AND MUSIC

• Music is ubiquitous nowadays too. “Indian system of music treatment is defined as an

“individualistic, subjective and spiritual art, aiming at personal harmony with one's own being and
not at symphonic elaborations.
• Many of the international researchers and spiritual seekers from abroad living in India share the
perception that this culture has something very valuable and essential to contribute towards a
functioning and more healthy future of our global civilization.
• This ancient tradition speaks about the ‘ Sanathana Dharma', a universal truth, law, way an
expression of our deepest human longings and highest ideals of perfection.

Sitarist Ravi Shankar, right, in a 1967 file photo with Beatles guitarist George Harrison
source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment
INDIAN MUSIC AND SPIRITUALITY

Gayatri mantra for enlightenment

source: https://spiritvoyage.com/blog/?p=19918

• “Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.” — Ludwig van Beethoven
Musical tunes play an essential role in spirituality and contemplation. It unleashes the filtered
brain knots and transcends one to a higher meditative state, which is beyond the level of physical
world.
• Power of music tends to uplift one in the deep ocean of trance. For instance, Gayatri mantra has
been bestowed the greatest importance in Vedic dharma. This mantra has also been termed as
Savitri and Ved-Mata, the mother of the Vedas.
• Being in contact with spiritual music like chants, shlokas and mantra, harmonization of the
centers of consciousness is possible through sound and color. “The centers of consciousness and
energy are known as chakras in Sanskrit, which means wheel of energy-consciousness.
• Ravi Shankar put it when asked if music is essentially spiritual: “The highest form in music is
spirituality.” When it is, the effect on us — our thoughts, our emotions, our subconscious, and
even our physical well-being — can be quite profound. Hence, it is important to direct the world
towards spirituality and music for their wellbeing and persona transcendence.
• May be people have forgotten the roots, but India has always been the flagbearer of spirituality.
It is said that we are the descendants of rishi-munis , thus it is not complex process to reboot
spirituality, Yoga, music therapy in India.
IMPORTANT STEPS TO PROMOTE MUSIC THERAPY

A. Research Area should be stronger:

• There are not many researches in the field of Raga (Indian Music) therapy as compared to that in
the west. To illustrate, there are plethora of scientific views on music therapy and Mozart music
on google and YouTube. Alzheimer and autism control through Music therapy has occupied a lot
of researches and discoveries and started the practices.
• According to Michael G McGuire, Music Therapist and a Professor in Greece, “The best way to
start identifying competencies depends on the country, its culture, and how much literature
might be published in music therapy. Perhaps one way that would be common to all countries
would be to gather expert opinions from practitioners of music therapy.

B. Increased Music Therapy Colleges

There are handful of colleges which offer music therapy certification course. To name a few are:

• Chennai School of Music Therapy

• Chennai, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, CMTER
• Puducherry, MET-Certificate in music therapy, Mumbai
• Meera Center for Music Therapy Education & Research by Manollasini Trust, Bengaluru
• Nada Centre for music therapy, Delhi, The Music Therapy trust, Delhi.
• The Indian Institute of Medical Music Therapy (IIMMT) a unit of Apollo hospital, Chennai offers
courses both online and offline for aspiring music therapists.

C. According to the world federation of music therapists (WFMT), a person

appropriately educated in music therapy should have ability to use music
through systematic planning to provide opportunities for the following:

• Anxiety and stress reduction

• Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort
• Positive changes in emotional state
• Relaxation
• Decreased length of stay in hospice
• Emotional intimacy with patients and caregivers.
D. Awareness to subside general temperament about medication

• There are a few issues, in terms of the mentality of the people in India, which may be the
element to prevent music therapy from growing and must be checked.
• According to Mr. Aurelio, Director of Svaram Musical Instruments Research Station and Director
and Trustee, Mohanam Cultural Centre situated at Auroville Community, Pondicherry, “Despite
many myths and legends about the magic of music we don’t find very many direct references in
the scriptures or contemporary music practice about healing with sound or music therapy.
• As is so typical in many other areas of the Indian tradition, much is shrouded in mystery of the
sacrosanct past and there is also a strain of resistance of approaching the subject too directly
and rationally.

E. Doctor’s misguidance and ‘make money’ attitude:

• Majority doctors in the hospitals recommend medicines and avoid guiding about therapeutic
methods other than allopathy and antibiotics. Even in the normal problem which can easily be
treated by Yoga, stretching, they prescribe antibiotics till the extent of the body getting resistant
of that medicine and heavier dose (steroids) are required.
• This is an unethical business and must be checked. For instance, a dozen researches have proved
that cancer is nothing more than a degeneration in the cells and lack of oxygen in the body
which can be treated by Yoga and singing bowl within months, even at the last stage.
• But cancer patients still undergo ample of surgeries and chemotherapies by doctor’s
misguidance. Doctors should recommend Yoga and natural therapies and of course guide the
patients about healthy lifestyle.

F. Overcoming Common Myths About Music Therapy

• “The music has what is called Binaural Beats. These beats are incorporated in the music, and
they are set to different frequencies to stimulate your brain. Binaural Beats was discovered in
1893 by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, and it works by broadcasting two different frequencies in each
ear. The frequencies are set in the music, and are different for whatever problem you have, the
music may sound the same, but are totally different. The music is soft and calming, with sounds
of waterfalls and different types of animal sounds, it’s like you’re out in the woods, it’s great,
very relaxing
• Sound therapy has an inevitable power to uplift the positivity and ‘feel good’ levels with time.
Tunes may not work overnight but soothes the body cells, mind and IJSER International Journal
of Scientific & Engineering .
• “Drug therapy is not preferable due side effects, drug-interactions, dizziness, risk of falling and
adverse effect of increasing agitation. Agitation during bathing, in strange circumstances, during
food intake, etc. may be due to minor fear, inner complex, and such behavior can be corrected
easily with music therapy
G. Diseases are psycho-somatic

“Music therapy as a tool in spiritual healing. Both music and spirituality function on the symbolic level,
allowing for communication, transformation, and growth. Music therapy can encourage altered states
of consciousness, providing the environment for symbolism and spiritual growth. Myths and rituals
foster a shared symbolic reality that often expresses basic cultural and societal values.

H. Attractive Infrastructure:

Ambience matter a lot these days. Music therapy clinics should be more elegant and cleaner in terms
of visual impression. “People get attracted with the look and feel of the clinic. Therefore, one must
maintain a fascinating, fragranced, infrastructure with appropriate lighting, etc. to settle the patients.

Conclusion
• As more and more people opting for non-invasive systems of alternative and complementary
medicines, the future for music therapy seems to be quite promising and bright. Moreover, we
have seen in this lesson that the recent scientific research in the areas of mental ailments, stress,
functioning of the brain and a host of other subjects has thrown open a new endorsement for the
ancient concepts of therapeutic values in sound and music.
• Music therapy in India is just evolving and there is a need to develop practice and research to
bring to the International forefront, the therapeutic utility of the great treasure of the unique
Raga system of music and the positive approach of the Indian healing traditions advocating
health.
• Indian Music Therapy has a lot to learn from the West since the West has seen the development
of this field over a period of 50 years. In the United States, you have been a pioneer in
establishing Music Therapy competencies through rigorous research and in a way, have given a
direction to large professional organizations like the American Music Therapy Association, which
is doing a great deal of work regarding competencies and levels of practice now.
• Promoting the root-level treatments like music therapy among Indian masses is extremely
essential not only in the context of medicine and treatment but also in terms of spirituality and
wisdom.
• People, in current situation, are highly misguided and are frustrated by the constant requirement
of drugs and steroids. They highly need the guidance on grass-level systematic healing instead of
unguaranteed symptomatic treatments.
• Music therapy has an abundance scope in India and we, the team, should not leave any stone
unturned to transcend it in the higher stages of treatment.
• I conclude my paper with an excellent saying by Swami Parmanand: “There are certain things that
have universal attributes, like music. Something of greater magnitude is conveyed by them. They
connect us with the universal storehouse of life and knowledge.”
 LITERATURE CASE STUDIES
ACTIVITY & SPACE STUDY - SVARAM, AUROVILLE
USER STUDY- GLOBE INSTITUTE, SAN FRANCISCO
DESIGN STUDY - SOUNDS OF GAIA, MEXICO

MARTINA ABRAHAM | 2016PA0020 | 26

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/312226186671026397/
LITERATURE CASE STUDY : 01
SVARAM
LOCATION: Auroville, Tamil Nadu
PROJECT YEAR : 2002

SOURCE: https://svaram.org/
 ACITIVITY & SPACE STUDY
SOUND SPACES:
Space expresses itself through energy and atmosphere, through moving vibrations and
frequencies and through sounds heard and unheard. It explores and creates enhanced
living, learning, work and recreational environments through conscious application,
configuration and composition of harmonizing sounds elements.

➢ OUTDOOR:
• SOUND GARDEN
• SOUND PAVILION
• SOUND PATHS
• SOUND FIELDS

➢ INDOOR:
• SOUND INSTALLATIONS AND SCULPTURES
• SONIC STONES
• PLATE BELLS AND GONGS
• TUBULAR BELLS
• WALLMOUNTED INSTRUMENTS

source: https://svaram.org/sound-spaces/#
 S
P
A
C
E

source: https://svaram.org/sound-spaces/#
SOUND WELLBEING:
An integral approach is needed to live in harmony with self, society and our environment.
A truly sound health and wellbeing can be achieved through a dynamic rebalancing and
fluid resilience, tuning our self, our immediate surroundings and community- changing life
into a playful discovery and veritable sound experience.

➢ TUNING THE SELF:

• NADA YOGA
• SONORIUM WELLNESS, SOUND IMMERSION
• SOUND JOURNEY, SOUND HEALING
• STUDIO
❑ ORGANOLOGY
❑ PSYCHOACOUSTIC STUDIES
❑ ECO ACOUSTIC STUDIES
❑ CULTURAL PROGRAMS

Source: https://svaram.org/sound-wellbeing/
SOUND ACTIVITIES:
SOUND EDUCATION

➢ EDUCATIONAL INSTRUMENTS: Instruments for innovative pedagogical

approaches to bring the valuable gifts of listening, group play and music into our
learning environment.

➢ SOUND GARDEN: An evolving array of outdoor instruments for interactive play,

with pronounced edutainment value for all age groups, customized for any institution
or recreational environment. Play with the sounds of nature and experience the joy of
a musical garden.

➢ INSTRUMENT BUILDING: Build your own simple percussion and wind

instruments in a fun and rewarding hands-on workshop, guided by our artisans and
master craftsmen. It’s twice as fun to play on your personally crafted instrument,
which will open a direct entry into the magic of your very own musical play.

➢ SOUND EXPERIENCE: Find your authentic musical expression in playful and

contemplative exercises. This facilitated play shop offers a great opportunity to come
in touch with your own inherent musical talents, with self and stimulating group
dynamics with voice, body and instruments. Offering a safe space and venue to
explore the available, and finer nuances of musical expression and communication.

Source: https://svaram.org/sound-wellbeing
 ACTIVITY

Source: https://svaram.org/sound-education/
➢ SOUND RETREAT: This retreat offers the opportunity to step back from our routine
life and opens a space of reflection and contemplation. Resulting in fresh
perspectives and recharging of one’s physical, vital, intellectual and psychic energies.
Through playful facilitation we learn to let go and relax, but at the same time harness
the power of concentration and touch the joy that music can bring into our life.

➢ MUSIC CREATIVITY: Play shop for teachers, educators and therapists to creatively
explore listening, voice, movement and instruments. Discover the potential of sound
interventions for application in personal growth, and the educational field.

➢ VOCAL COACHING: Vocal explorations can be so much more than speaking

correctly or singing a song. The intimate process of uncovering, finding, and
expressing your authentic voice, can be an intense personal and emotional journey
of vulnerable, challenging openings, new discoveries and deep integrations. Being
able to speak your true voice and sing free of conditioning and inhibition, equals life
changing experiences.

➢ INSTRUMENT CLASSES: In these one-on-one classes you can get to know and
come in touch with your selected instrument and explore through a playful
facilitation, it’s appeal and potential. From the first point of curiosity, to continuing
learning discoveries, these individual spaces offer an intimate process of unfolding
your talent.

Source: https://svaram.org/sound-education
LITERATURE CASE STUDY : 02
GLOBE INSTITUTE
LOCATION: Sausalito, CA 94965, United states
PROJECT YEAR : 2002

SOURCE: https://www.google.com/search?q=globe+institute+sound+healing&rlz=1C1CHBF
 USER STUDY
LIST OF USERS : SOUND HEALING UNIT

• PATIENTS
A sound healing facility where major users come to heal themselves through the power
of sound for a stable mental wellbeing.

• SOUND HEALER, SOUND PRACTITIONER

Sound Healers and Practitioners perform general treatments that can help a wide range
of physical, mental and emotional issues.

• SOUND THERAPIST
A Sound Therapist works on specific mental or emotional issues and adds in specific
protocols for the particular issue. Issues include anxiety, learning disabilities, autism,
trauma, sleep, grief, dementia, Parkinson’s, ADD/ADHD and PTSD.

• SOUND BATH PERFORMER

Sound Bath Performers use voice and/or play instruments including crystal bowls,
Tibetan bowls, gongs and drums to induce a state of relaxation in a group. The group
might be as general as people that are looking for an interesting sound and musical
experience, or might be very specific medically – as for a group of cancer patients.

• SOUND HEALING RESEARCH

There is a large number of funding resources including Government and Private grants
for research that could help large numbers of people. There is a wide range of research
going on in the industry including: studies of the psychological and physiological effects
of music and sound.

• INVENTORS
Many people are simply creating new technologies, software and applications. Once you
learn the wide range of information contained in the classes, the future is ripe with
possibilities. We are interested in supporting creative technologies that will help large
numbers of people.

• EDUCATORS
Student will be prepared to off basic workshops in sound healing. There is an
increasing number of people who are working in sound work education.
LIST OF USERS : RECORDING ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY UNIT

• MUSIC DIRECTORS AND COMPOSERS

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups,
such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs. Includes arrangers, composers,
choral directors, and orchestrators.
We teach extensive Music Theory and Composition in the recording program. Students
compose many projects as part of their required lab.

•
SOUND ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music,
voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or
movie and video productions.

• AUDIO AND VIDEO EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS

Set up, or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones,
sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment,
connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic
equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and
news conferences.

• MEDIA COMMUNICATION AND EQUIPMENT WORKERS

All media and communication equipment workers not listed separately.
Sound for
• Motion Picture and Video Industries
• Radio and Television Broadcasting
 ADVANTAGES OF GLOBE INSTITUTE OF
RECORDING AND PRODUCTION

HERE ARE SOME RESPONSES FROM THE ORGANISATION & THERAPISTS:

• We teach how to do sound healing instead of just learning about it. We actually
practice it.
• At the Institute we have an entire store full of sound healing instruments that the
students get to play with. You can get to know the tools that resonate best with you.
• At the Institute, the classroom is not your normal classroom. It is a beautiful sacred
space with high end scalar wave devices to help hold a stable and high vibration. It is
very conducive to doing sound healing sessions — Students are able to go really
deep.
• Our program is very cohesive — not just a bunch of different seminars.
Students that have gone to other Programs say ours is the best.
• At the Institute we have some really cool and fun technologies. Students can come
in and go on the Sound Lounge or Tables and be vibrated into bliss whenever they
like.
• We are the leaders in research in the field. We have a non-profit Sound Healing
Research Foundation that is researching all the frequencies within the human
system.
• We are also working with centers for Autism and PTSD that are using our array of
sound treatments. We have also developed treatment protocols for depression,
anxiety, anger, grief and ADD/ADHD and will be doing more research in each area. At
the Institute some students may intern in these centers or in the Research
Foundation.
• We have also developed relationships with hospitals and therapy centers where
students may also intern if they like.
• We are working to bring Sound Healing into elementary and high schools. We have
been awarded a grant to create a curriculum for bringing Sound Healing into
Montessori schools, and ultimately all public schools.
• We have developed an active community of sound healing events… a good place to
network and connect.
LITERATURE CASE STUDY : 03
SOUNDS OF GAIA
LOCATION: JIUTEPEC, MEXICO
AREA : 1500 SQ.MS
ARCHITECT: CASAPÚBLICA

SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica
 DESIGN STUDY
SOGA, Sounds of Gaia, is a sound healing center located in Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico. It
accommodates, in a 3,000 sq. m. plot and 1,500 sq. m. construction, an ecumenical forum
/ temple dedicated to sound, a professional sound recording studio, an outdoors forum,
therapy rooms, coffee shop, store, offices and sleeping rooms.

FLOOR PLAN

2
1
3

UNIT 1

SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica
UNIT 2

UNIT 3

SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica
UNIT 4

SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica
It’s architecture accomplishes an integrated design creating a scheme that
searches a good solar and wind passive design and performance and optimizes
functionality. The project has a selection of local material with an earthly
character, balanced with nature and respect for the environment.

SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica
The landscape was design with local endemic plants, including a productive garden which
will supply the coffee shop. It also has a greenroofing that helps regulate temperature.
SOURCE : https://www.archdaily.com/450039/soga-sounds-of-gaia-casapublica