In 2023, Bengaluru sales professional Naresh Shanbhag suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak. Through innovative music therapy at India's National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, he is relearning to communicate by singing his daily tasks.
- Music therapy encourages brain plasticity to restore function.
- Patients sing phrases and tap rhythms to rebuild speech skills.
- Sessions in India cost just over $40 for twenty visits.
What happened
Naresh Shanbhag’s stroke in 2023 severely impaired his ability to form words or sentences, complicating daily communication. While physical therapy helped restore strength on his paralyzed side, speech remained a challenge. A suggestion from a doctor friend led Shanbhag to try music therapy sessions at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru, where he began simple rhythm exercises and gradually progressed to more complex tasks.
Recognizing that singing proved easier than speaking, his therapist encouraged him to vocalize sentences as melodies. This method, known as Melodic Intonation Therapy, uses singing’s rhythm and melody to stimulate undamaged brain regions and promote neural rewiring. More than a year later, Shanbhag continues this daily routine, even setting his grocery list to song as a joyful way to regain speech.
Why it feels good
Patients like Shanbhag find motivation and a sense of achievement in musical exercises because progress is directly felt with each mastered rhythm or sung phrase. These methods engage large portions of the brain simultaneously, boosting connections and encouraging the brain’s innate plasticity to adapt after injury. The therapy’s creative, non-invasive nature adds emotional and cognitive benefits that go beyond traditional physical rehab.
Moreover, the accessibility and affordability of this therapy in a government hospital setting make it especially encouraging for many stroke survivors. The use of familiar music styles, such as Indian classical music in Bengaluru, helps deepen engagement and comfort, making rehabilitation a more enjoyable and culturally relevant experience for patients.
What to enjoy or watch next
Music therapy for brain injury highlights how combining neuroscience with the arts can create innovative healing paths. Individuals interested in stroke recovery may explore Melodic Intonation Therapy programs offered by specialized neuropsychological rehabilitation centers worldwide. Watching patient stories of progress offers inspiring examples of resilience and hope drawn from the power of music.
For those fascinated by brain plasticity, follow ongoing research from institutions like NIMHANS where classical vocalists and neuroscientists collaborate to push the boundaries of cognitive rehabilitation. Enjoying music mindfully—even beyond therapy—can support brain health and emotional well-being every day.