Echoes of Healing: A Review of Indian Music, Mantra Therapy, and Mental Well-Being

This review examines the psychological effects of Indian classical music and mantra therapy, drawing on Indian traditions. It suggests that mantra chanting may enhance attentional control and reduce anxiety by stabilizing mental processes, while Indian classical music may promote emotional balance and autonomic regulation. Neuropsychological studies indicate that sound-based practices influence brain regions involved in emotional processing and cognitive control, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. The authors identify gaps in the literature, including a lack of standardized interventions and longitudinal, culturally specific studies. They propose that these practices, when integrated with modern mental health approaches, may serve as affordable, culturally meaningful complementary treatments.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Based on Indian traditions, Vibrational healing activities, especially Indian classical music and mantra therapy, have continued to attract growing interest for their ability to promote psychological wellness. As the problem of stress, anxiety, and emotional upsets becomes more widespread, the demand for complementary and culturally-oriented mental health care increases. The current review explores the psychological effects of Indian music and mantra therapy and investigates the mechanisms underlying improvements in mental health outcomes. There is evidence to suggest that mantra chanting enhances attentional control and reduces anxiety by stabilizing mental processes, while Indian classical music promotes emotional balance and autonomic regulation. According to neuropsychological studies, sound-based practices influence brain regions related to emotional processing as well as cognitive control, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Nevertheless, with the increasing empirical evidence, the literature demonstrates that there are still gaps, such as a shortage of standardized interventions and a deficit of longitudinal and culturally specific studies. This review points out the theoretical processes that lie behind vibrational healing, such as neuroplasticity, autonomic control, and mind-body integration. The results imply that Indian music and mantra therapy can be used as a potential complementary treatment in the prevention of psychological well-being and holistic mental health. Overall, Indian music therapy and mantra meditation appear to be affordable, culturally meaningful, and accessible practices that may strengthen psychological well-being when integrated with modern mental health approaches.