Ritual Recitation as a Mind-Body Practice for Trauma Recovery

Abstract

Ritual recitation, central to many religious traditions, is increasingly recognized as a promising mind-body intervention for trauma recovery. Trauma often disrupts the nervous system, leaving survivors in cycles of emotional dysregulation, hyperarousal, and loss of meaning. While conventional trauma therapies offer significant support, they may not fully address all the dimensions of trauma recovery. In this context, mantra-based meditation (MBM) emerges as a culturally grounded, low-cost practice that supports healing across physiological, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. This chapter employs a theoretical approach and synthesizes existing research and conceptualizes the role of ritual recitation in trauma recovery. It further explores the neural mechanisms underlying mantra recitation and understands the integration of recitation-based interventions into trauma therapy. By bridging psychological, spiritual, cultural, and religious perspectives, this chapter positions ritual recitation as a holistic tool for fostering mental well-being in trauma survivors.