The Role of Music in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Neuroscientific Research, Indigenous Entheogenic Ritual, and Contemporary Care Models.
Amanda Argot Efthimiou, Amanda M. Cardinale, Agnieszka Kepa
Psychedelic Medicine December 2, 2024 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0058 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy Shamanism |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Music therapy Music's role Brain response Ancient healing Indigenous rituals Modern therapy Emotional processing Deep introspection Therapeutic benefits |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key findings | Argues that although music is a reliable cornerstone of psychedelic-assisted therapy and indigenous entheogenic ceremonies, scientific literature on its specific relevance to enhancing clinical outcomes is limited. Proposes personalized music protocols, suggests traditional ritual music use can inform best practices, and calls for researchers to specify music protocols in treatment models while respectfully bridging indigenous and medical practices. |
Abstract
Music is deeply rooted in the human experience as well as a fundamental part of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) and entheogenic ceremonies. Although a large body of research exists highlighting the importance of music from rehabilitative, psychological, neurobiological, anthropological, religious, and sociological contexts, there is limited scientific literature regarding the specific relevance of music in PAT and indigenous entheogenic ritual as a means of enhancing clinical outcomes. As demand for mental health services continues to grow and awareness of the medicinal benefits of psychedelic substances to treat mental and neurological conditions increases, a new wave of interest has emerged to support the development of care models, including how music is used during PAT. Music is a reliable cornerstone in therapeutic and ritualistic spaces using psychedelics, however there is still an immense opportunity to cultivate PAT models with interdisciplinary, evidence-informed perspectives and thoughtful analysis of music use in treatment. To contribute to this development, this review evaluates neuroscientific, psychological, and anthropological research on the neural and cognitive underpinnings of music as well as music use with psychedelics both in modern research settings and indigenous entheogenic ceremonies. In addition, personalized approaches to music protocols in PAT, how music use in traditional rituals may help inform best practices, and the need for researchers to specify music protocols in treatment models are detailed. Consideration of carefully respecting the bridging of indigenous practices and current medical models is discussed to highlight areas for future development.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogenic Drugs and Plants in Psychotherapy and Shamanism | 1998 | Review | |
| Hallucinogenic Mushrooms in Mexico: An Overview | 2008 | Review | |
| Healing, spirituality and integrative medicine. | 2017 | Review | |
| Introduction: Evidence for entheogen use in prehistory and world religions | 2019 | Review | |
| The Evolved Psychology of Psychedelic Set and Setting: Inferences Regarding the Roles of Shamanism and Entheogenic Ecopsychology | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Key competencies for psychedelic treatment in real-world mental health care settings. General Hospital Psychiatry 2025
- Music as a collaborating actor: new insights into the nature and role of music in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2025
- Psychedelic Therapy and the Role of Music: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Evidence on Subjective and Objective Outcomes. Brain and Behavior June 1, 2026
- Quantitative and qualitative influences of spiritual connection and natural imagery on perception of art in clinical psychedelic dosing settings. Scientific Reports July 21, 2025
- Optimizing music for psychedelic-assisted therapy: Examining contemporary practices, traditional entheogenic rituals, and musically-induced peak experiences Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 2, 2026
and 3 more in the library
Cites 62
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