Ontora Deychoudhury's Blog for English 101, Section 21003, Fall 2024

  Effects of Indian Classical (Hindustani) Music on Mental Health           Indian classical (hindustani) music, dating back to around 5000-2000 BC, is one of the oldest forms of music. It is a profound art form which combines mastery of musical notes ( swaras ) with emotional depth and spiritual connection.  Hindustani music uses Raagas, which are scales consisting of specific notes organized in distinct patterns. These invoke different emotions, and are categorized by time of day, and/or season. Recent research suggests that Indian classical music, particularly through its Raaga system, has the potential to reduce stress, regulate mood, and enhance cognitive functions. However, as more of the research on music and its effects on mental health are focused on the Western scene, research on Indian classical music is sparse and anecdotal. Throughout this research, we will look at the extent to which Indian classical music impacts mental health, as ...

  Dr. Raymond Barfield’s approach to medicine, as discussed in   The Miracle in Front of You , emphasizes a  practice that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual care. He critiques modern medicine for its tendency to focus solely on biological fixes and technical treatments, often overlooking the humanity of patients. Barfield advocates for viewing patients as whole individuals, recognizing the “miracle” of their existence, even in times of suffering. His philosophy involves connecting with patients on a personal level, empathizing with their joys and sorrows. Barfield’s perspective challenges the rigid, impersonal nature of institutional healthcare, where patients often die in unfamiliar environments, surrounded by systems that prioritize efficiency over connection. He believes that doctors must not only treat diseases but also show patients that they are cared for and understood as people. This is reflected in his assertion that to truly help patients, doctors mu...

    I Have a Gut Feeling About This: The Brain-Gut Connection The phrase 'gut feeling' is more than just a metaphor, it highlights a scientific truth about the connection between the gut and brain. The stomach and brain are closely related and have a significant impact on one another, according to a growing body of research. The term "gut-brain axis," which describes the biochemical signaling between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, is frequently used to show this link. Recent studies have highlighted how imbalances in the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in our intestines, can affect mental health and cognitive function. Understanding this connection opens new doors in treating not only gastrointestinal disorders but also mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The gut-brain axis is a key area of research in understanding how our digestive system impacts our mental and emotional well-being, as well as overa...

I Have a Gut Feeling About This: The Brain-Gut Connection The phrase 'gut feeling' is more than just a metaphor, it highlights a scientific truth about the connection between the gut and brain. The stomach and brain are closely related and have a significant impact on one another, according to a growing body of research. The term "gut-brain axis," which describes the biochemical signaling between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, is frequently used to show this link. Recent studies have highlighted how imbalances in the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in our intestines, can affect mental health and cognitive function. Understanding this connection opens new doors in treating not only gastrointestinal disorders but also mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The gut-brain axis is a key area of research in understanding how our digestive system impacts our mental and emotional well-being, as well as overall p...

Question 2: What were the ways the people in the film got hooked on opiates?  In the film, individuals became addicted to opiates through two main pathways. Some started with legitimate prescriptions for pain relief, often after surgery or for chronic conditions. Over time, they developed a dependency, and when their prescriptions were no longer accessible or became too expensive, they turned to illicit drugs like heroin. Others began their journey with recreational drug use, such as marijuana, which sometimes escalated to stronger substances like opiates in search of more intense effects. These patterns highlight how both medical and recreational drug use can lead to addiction, with cost and accessibility often pushing individuals toward dangerous alternatives like heroin, as depicted in "Chasing the Dragon. Question 8: Since addicted persons need more and more prescription painkillers to get high or “stay well,” what are some consequences they may face that you learned about fro...