Therapeutic effects of Indian raga music on mental health and stress management: A review

Indian classical music, particularly the raga system, has long been associated with emotional and psychological well-being. In recent years, scientific research has begun to explore the therapeutic potential of raga-based music therapy for mental health and stress management. Ragas are melodic frameworks designed to evoke specific emotional responses and influence human physiology and psychology. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that listening to Indian ragas can reduce anxiety, regulate heart rate and blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and enhance emotional balance. The mechanism of raga therapy may involve modulation of brain waves, hormonal responses, and the autonomic nervous system. This review examines the historical background of raga therapy, the theoretical basis of raga-emotion relationships, and recent empirical research demonstrating its effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The paper also highlights specific ragas reported to have therapeutic benefits and discusses future research directions for integrating Indian raga music into modern mental health interventions.