Listen to Hindu spiritual music to reduce surgery anxiety, study finds

Jhansi: Music is considered the essence of life and cures several intangible emotional afflictions. In recent research conducted by a team of physicians at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College, it was substantiated that listening to Hindu spiritual music and hymns during surgical procedures can diminish anxiety. This research was recently published in the esteemed American medical journal, Cureus (Springer Nature Group).

The research encompassed over 150 patients who underwent lower limb surgery. They were segregated into two groups.

While one group was exposed to various Hindu spiritual hymns and music, including 'Hanuman Chalisa and Gayatri Mantra', another group listened to music of their preference.The findings demonstrated that patients exposed to Hindu spiritual music displayed significantly reduced anxiety and stress levels compared to those who listened to instrumental music. Decreased stress hormone levels were detected in the spiritual music group, and enhanced patient satisfaction was also noted.

Forty-three-year-old Rajendra Singh, an autorickshaw driver from Chirgaon who recently underwent surgery on his right thigh following an accident, said, "Listening to the spiritual music helped me distract myself during the operation, which helped me feel less pain and also reduced the anxiety I was feeling earlier before going to the operation theatre."

Dr Anshul Jain, who led the research team, observed that during periods of distress, patients connect more profoundly with their faith. In such circumstances, spirituality can serve a crucial role in anxiolysis and recovery. He emphasised that this research adhered to international protocols, where music was utilised as an intervention, and the trial was registered with CTRI (Clinical Trials Registry - India).

"Since ancient times, Hindu sages used mantras, ‘havan', and ‘aarti' as part of medical healing. Studies like this provide scientific validation to such traditional practices, proving their effectiveness in modern medicine," said Dr Jain and indicated that the medical college has now implemented the practice with consenting patients. The research team comprised .