Music good for the heart is also good for the Body
Chow Fan-fu
To be healthy, one needs to stay physically fit; and in this day and age, there are so many possible routes to physical fitness. However, whether all these methods are effective remains to be seen. In reality, most urbanites are living under a lot of pressure every day, particularly the stress of dealing with material pursuits. As a result, the urbanite heart often founders, leading to the ever increasing incidence of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the prerequisite to good physical health is, first and foremost, a good strong heart, and music is the best prescription for its health.
In his 1871 publication The Descent of Man, the celebrated English naturalist Charles Darwin remarked on the ubiquitous existence of music among “men of all races”, and “was incessantly struck” by the mental similarities he observed between the distinctly different races. The innate and omnipresent appreciation of music was an enigma, as if it were a miraculous mystery gift bestowed on humankind by the Almighty. This special musical endowment is being constantly enhanced and refined through modern technology. It has become progressively evident that this divine gift is the ideal antidote to the inevitable emotional upheavals that are part of human life. It is the cure for the full range of human sentiments, and can provide spiritual relief and mental quietude.
Much of the tension in today’s metropolitan existence comes from the desire and the quest for material possessions. The best safeguard against such mental strain is actually vigorous spiritual well-being. Research in modern pathology has found that the human body is like a delicate and sophisticated precision instrument. Biologically, the body is designed to take only a specific load. Exceeding the limit may lead to psychological imbalance and mental disorders. In the more severe cases, even physiological functions may be affected. At this stage, psychiatric intervention is needed to logically and scientifically rebuild mental health. During the recovery process, apart from the traditional psychological counselling and medication regime, it is very important to incorporate a robust spiritual component. Humankind’s intrinsic capacity for music is often harnessed in psychotherapy.
Obviously, not all music is suited for psychotherapeutic purposes, or has a clear heart-strengthening and body-fortifying effect. Generally speaking, musical rhythm and melody affect humans in different ways: strong rhythmic music stimulates the heart, increases the heart rate, and brings on excitement and an upbeat mood; whereas soothing melodic music slows the heart rate down, relaxes and settles the listener, and evokes a sense of well-being. The human response to melody in music is particularly exceptional. This may be because melody expresses human feelings, much as language expresses human ideas, and feelings are often the best “lubricants” for the human soul. They are wonderful nutrients for a healthy heart and body. Music can also help with the practice of meditation, when one can calmly internalize the profound meaning of life, and thereby attain tranquility and peace of mind.
The programme for the HKCO’s forthcoming concert Music for Tranquility of Mind VI has included compositions specially selected from the rich experience and extensive repertoires of Tam Po-shek and Yan Huichang. The chosen pieces are all considered effective for strengthening the heart and the body. They can further be combined with literature, painting, calligraphy and fitness to form a kind of spiritual fortification that safeguards physical and spiritual fitness. 
