Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 12

Indian classical music, characterized by its intricate raga system, has been an integral part of traditional healing and wellness practices for centuries. Ragas are believed to evoke distinct emotional states and influence mental and physical health. With growing interest in music-based interventions, contemporary neuroscience and psychological research have increasingly explored the biological and cognitive mechanisms underlying these effects. This review synthesizes current evidence on the impact of Indian classical ragas on neural activity, emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and physiological regulation, while examining their potential therapeutic relevance.

Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2025 was identified through searches of PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Google Scholar, and other scientific databases. Studies investigating neurophysiological, psychological, and clinical outcomes associated with raga exposure were examined, including those utilizing electroencephalography (EEG), autonomic measures, psychometric assessments, and intervention-based research designs.

Findings from the reviewed studies indicate that listening to selected ragas can influence brain function by altering cortical oscillatory activity, particularly within the alpha and theta frequency bands. These changes are frequently associated with enhanced relaxation, improved attentional processes, and better emotional regulation. In addition, raga-based interventions have been linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, blood pressure, and heart rate, alongside improvements in sleep quality, memory, concentration, and overall psychological well-being. Emerging evidence from neuroimaging and electrophysiological investigations suggests that these effects may be mediated through interactions among limbic structures, prefrontal cortical regions, reward pathways, and autonomic regulatory systems.

Although the available findings are encouraging, the current body of research is constrained by methodological variability, limited sample sizes, and inconsistencies in intervention protocols. Consequently, further well-designed studies are required to strengthen the evidence base and clarify the mechanisms involved. Nevertheless, the existing literature supports the potential of raga-based music as a safe, accessible, and culturally meaningful complementary approach for promoting mental health and enhancing quality of life. Future investigations should emphasize standardized methodologies, objective biomarkers, and large-scale randomized controlled trials to facilitate the integration of raga-based interventions into evidence-based healthcare practices.