Music Therapy in Classical Ayurveda: A Reconstruction from Ancient Sanskrit Sources

This chapter describes the historical development and theoretical basis of Indian music therapy from the sixth century BCE to the sixteenth century CE, along with its modern resurgence. During all times, music was subtly integrated into Ayurvedic practices, particularly in internal medicine (kāyacikitsā), pediatrics (kaumārbhṛtya), and aphrodisiac therapy (vājīkaraṇa), and additionally in alchemy and iatrochemistry (rasaśāstra). The chapter examines foundational Ayurvedic texts and aesthetic treatises such as the to reconstruct the (SRD) framework, demonstrating how specific musical notes, scales, and their associated emotional states were mapped to balance the three somatic humors Vāta (air), Pitta (bile), and Kapha (phlegm). It also describes various therapeutic applications, including managing coma, fever, and supporting perinatal care, highlighting instances where ancient physicians prescribed music and even included musicians in hospital settings. The chapter concludes by outlining the resurgence of Indian music therapy from J. Pāl’s 1930s model to current clinical research, while debunking modern myths.