Therapeutic elements of music in ancient India: a brief review in Bṛhattrayī

Abstract

The non-medical Sanskrit texts have indirect references to music as a therapy in ancient India. The vaidyas used it as an alternative therapeutic technique in addition to conventional treatment methods for coma and post-coma complications, tuberculosis, pitta aggravation, protective measures for newborns and in cases of mental distress to regain homeostasis. They also used soothing, pleasant music and employed efficient musicians to execute it. Caraka was the first physician who suggested employing musicians as supporting staff in public hospitals. In spite of such valuable references, music therapy did not become a separate branch of research in ancient India. Strikingly, there are similarities and differences in modern music therapy vis-à-vis therapeutic elements of music mentioned in Bṛhattrayī and some other important texts. This paper tries to review all such issues to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of the therapeutic effects of music in ancient India.