Music for the body and mind

There was an excellent article under the same heading in the Times of India on Feb 10th under the Times Wellness supplement with reference to learning a musical instrument. I am unable to find the same on the web, so I shall reproduce some excerpts:

Learning a musical instrument can be very therapeutic. It is
challenging as well as satisfying. The beauty of music is that it is a
combination of science and art. The science disciplines the mind and art
satisfies the soul.

Carnatic classical music is highly
mathematical and scientific, and it is a known fact that instrumentalists are
generally good in math and have a scientific bent of mind. Learning improves the
concentration and, like meditation, stills the mind.

Physiological
health benefits like lowering blood pressure, accelerating recovery after
surgery, etc are being researched by playing instruments. The brain releases
feel-good hormones called endorphins when we exercise, pray, chant, meditate or
when a classical instrument is played. Hence, it elevates the mood, improves
motor-brain coordination and removes depressing and negative
thoughts.

According to ancient Indian texts, music plays a positive
role in spiritual well-being. Each note or swara corresponds to one of the 7
chakras in the body and the vibrations created by the sound waves stimulate the
charkas. In alternate therapy, chakras are vortexes of energy and if properly
stimulated contribute to overall well-being – physical, emotional, mental and
spiritual.

Instrumentalists converse and communicate well and have better sense of
rhythm. Their thoughts and actions are quite well-balanced. Since all Carnatic
classical compositions are devoted to the higher power, this form of music is
spiritually uplifting as well. Practicing a musical instrument as hobby daily
for 30 minutes will be enough to keep us in good emotional and mental state.