A Surprising Prescription: Rhythm & The Brain

Recently, a friend of mine visited an eye specialist for persistent vision problems. Alongside focus exercises, the doctor prescribed him a metronome and rhythmic practice. Why? “It strengthens the brain and benefits the whole body,” the doctor said. “We don’t really know why—but it works!”

Many years ago, I took part in musical experiments at Aarhus University Hospital. Inside an MRI scanner, I was asked to visualize KONNAKOL rhythms. Watching the results, the doctors saw something incredible: rhythm activates the brain in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Music – and especially rhythm – really does something to us on a deep neurological level. This gives music a whole new value.

Going Deeper: Rhythm, Culture & The Inner Self

Yet, in our modern culture, it seems we rarely explore the true depths of our own soul. Most people never find their way past the constant mental noise. In my experience, rhythm can be a doorway within—a tool to awaken and heal the inner self. Take a moment and reflect with me: We are each part of a cosmic puzzle, connected to every life and atom in the universe. We measure everything around us—but how deep do we measure inside ourselves? What happens when rhythm enters through the ear and leads us into infinite inner space?

Ancient Wisdom: Indian Music as a Medicine Cabinet

South Indian Carnatic music, with roots in the Vedic Scriptures, treats music as medicine. Its system contains 175 rhythmic meters (talas) and 72 fundamental scales—divided into 12 chakras, mirroring the world of yoga. True Nadi Yogis (“masters of sound”) are believed to channel the strongest healing yoga to both - mind and body.

Science tells us that our bodies pulse with countless rhythms, fast and slow alike. Nadi yoga make a lot of sence to me.

Music and Health: Reflections from Denmark & Beyond

Years ago, the Danish Composers’ Association DJBFA launched a “Music and Health” project. I argued it should have been called “Music IS Health.” Music is inherently healing; ironically, it is the music industry that is often really unhealthy.

Decades of practicing konnakol (over 35 years!) have transformed my mind and body. Learning this ancient rhythm language connects mind, body, and creativity on many levels.

Passive Music vs. Living Process

Music, for me, is not just a passive product—a playlist or a background soundtrack to life. It is an active process and a living, intelligent energy. To use a vivid metaphor: Modern music in 2025 feels like a “giant realistic dildo”—impressive, powerfull but it can’t create life! It cannot make you pregnant! Real music magic happens when you participate, —when you use your imagination, join the process, and let music transform you from the inside out.

A Meditation Master? Still Just a Student

After the MRI experiments in Denmark, doctors called me a “meditation master.” I laughed—because I am, and always will be, a student! - of music. Every day, I keep learning that it’s the process that matters, not the result.

Final Thought: May the Music Be With You

If you read this far, thank you. Try from now on to see music as a medicine, a journey, a vehicle. Less “X-Factor and much more Jedi Knight. Music widens the moment of “now.” The real secret is to be active—to participate with your mind, your creativity, your body.

May the quintuplets be with you!