A pioneering study by the Uttar Pradesh government has found that spiritual music can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety in patients undergoing surgery. Conducted by researchers at Maharani Laxmi Bai (MLB) Medical College, Jhansi, the study has been recognised internationally and published in the prestigious US-based journal Cureus.
The research, involving 150 surgical patients, explored the effects of music on mental and physiological stress. Patients were divided into two groups - one listened to Hindu spiritual music, while the other was given instrumental music of their choice. The results showed a notable reduction in stress levels among those exposed to spiritual music, along with improved post-operative recovery.
According to the study, patients who listened to spiritual music had better heart rate and blood pressure control during surgery. Their levels of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, were significantly lower than those in the other group. Additionally, these patients reported fewer post-operative complications such as nausea and vomiting, indicating a holistic impact on their well-being.
The research team, led by Professor Anshul Jain, Head of the Department of Anesthesia at MLB Medical College, included Dr Brijendra Verma, Dr Pankaj Sonkia, Dr Saurabh Agarwal, Dr Pushpendra Agarwal (Jalaun), Dr Paras Gupta (Jalaun) and Dr Charu Thakur. The study followed rigorous scientific protocols and is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India, further validating its credibility.
Dr Pankaj Sonkia, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, emphasised that spiritual music’s impact on surgical stress is not just anecdotal but scientifically measurable. “We have long known that faith plays a crucial role in emotional healing. Now, we have evidence that spiritual music - particularly mantras, bhajans and aartis - can have a profound physiological effect, helping patients cope better with surgery,” he stated.
The study’s findings align with growing global research into music therapy as an adjunct to medical treatments. Several international hospitals have begun integrating controlled music exposure into pre-and post-operative care to enhance patient comfort and recovery.
Dr Anshul Jain noted, “Science and spirituality are often seen as two distinct domains, but this study proves otherwise. The vibrations and rhythms in spiritual music can create a calming effect, reducing stress hormones and stabilising vital signs. This could be a game-changer in preoperative care.”
With the success of this research, medical experts suggest that hospitals in India and abroad could adopt spiritual music as a non-invasive and cost-effective method to manage surgical stress. The study could also pave the way for further research into music therapy for various medical conditions, including anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Experts believe that integrating such therapeutic interventions into mainstream medical practices could revolutionise patient care, blending ancient wisdom with modern science.
If implemented widely, this approach could offer an effective, drug-free way to ease surgical stress, setting a new benchmark in holistic healing.
The spiritual compositions used in the study included some of Hinduism’s most revered chants and hymns, known for their calming and meditative effects.
