Music, especially New Age music, is fast being recognized as a useful therapeutic tool for physical and mental well being

Choosing the Right Music

The music you choose depends on the results you expect. If you have relaxation and meditation or just energizing in mind, the best choice would be something that is designed to take you into an altered state of consciousness and does not require intellectual analysis. It can range from a simple instrumental tune on the piano to Tibetan bowl music and chanting.

Any music which relies heavily on technology (rock or pop) and originates in anger or revolt (R&B, jazz, blues) has unnatural and negative vibrations attached to it. Anand Avinash cautions that "all music is not soothing. Rhythm in any form induces anxiety or excitement." So, avoid percussion instruments.

By now there are many audio tapes to choose from in India: BMG Crescendo has brought out four volumes composed by Pandit Raghunath Seth, with titles like Nidra for relaxation and Tanaav for releasing stress. Other include offerings from Osho's world, Vedic chants, some fusion and classical pieces by noted Indian maestros. Tapes produced by Yogacharya Shri Anand include Music of Ecstasy, Music Beyond Silence and Sounds of Silence.

Anand Avinash recommends music by Bach and Vivaldi, any works by Deuter or Kitaro, Forest Walk by Peter Bastian/Stig Moller, David Sun's Tranquillity and Slow Ocean.