Mantra Meditation for Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Yao Coitinho Biurra, Colette Naude, Zoe Coitinho Biurra et al.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven controlled clinical trials (374 participants) found that mantra meditation, compared to control conditions, significantly improved mental quality of life and reduced negative mood states in people with acute or chronic pain. No significant effects were observed for pain intensity, physical quality of life, depression symptoms, anxiety, stress, psychological well-being, or sleep. A subgroup analysis suggested that depression symptoms improved significantly more in participants with chronic pain than in those with acute pain. The authors conclude that mantra meditation may be a useful adjuvant intervention within interdisciplinary pain management, but higher-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.