Different types of musical sounds do have different effects on the doshas, and can be used as specific balancing therapies, or simply to create a desired mood.

If you have high Vata, or dry skin, you are prone to be irregular in your routine and also tend to experience frequent mood swings, especially when you are imbalanced. Physically, you are thin-skinned, quick, and easily fatigued. Consequently you need slow music to balance your hyperactivity, soft sounds to counter your sensitivity, low-pitched tones to harmonize your high-strung temperament, and easy rhythms to counter your erratic nature. In general, you will feel better tuned to the “light sounds” and “easy listening” bands on your radio than to the driving beat of rap or the harsh electric quality of hard rock and heavy metal.

If you have high Pitta, or sensitive skin, you are naturally a fiery, passionate, and active individual with lots of energy and moderate amount of stamina. When you are imbalanced, you become irritable, angry, and sharp. You need sounds that are soothing, somewhat mellow, and fluid, with a medium pitch and moderate tempo (just slow enough to slow you down a bit but fast enough not to spark your impatience).

If you have high Kapha, or oily skin, your slow heavy nature and solid build always need some stimulation and leavening. Your naturally sweet and loving temperament rarely needs mellow, romantic music to set the mood; however, you can always use some extra spice in your life. The harder the beat and the higher the volume, the better for staid Kapha. You can handle large doses of Latin rhythms, R&B, rap, rock, and heavy metal when the beat is fast enough.

Keep in mind that these are general recommendations for music listening when you are feeling imbalanced, not absolute rules. Moods change, and so do our taste in music. As in all things Ayurvedic, you are the ultimate authority and best judge of what sounds best suits you. Choose your music carefully according to these Ayurvedic principles and see if you notice a difference. The results may surprise you.