Minds and Traditions: Exploring India’s Indigenous Healing Systems for Mental Wellness

Abstract

Background: In India, traditional healing systems have long been integral to managing health and psychological well-being. With growing gaps in formal mental health services, especially in rural and tribal areas, many individuals continue to seek support from traditional healers, spiritual leaders, and indigenous health systems. The integration of these culturally rooted practices into modern care frameworks could potentially bridge accessibility gaps and promote holistic well-being. Objective: This secondary research paper examines literature published from 2020 to 2025 to assess the contributions of Ayurveda, Yoga, expressive therapies, and indigenous practices to mental health care in India. The study also explores the potential roles of shamans, gurus, and oral traditions in facilitating mental healing. Methodology: A review of secondary sources was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The selection focused on systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and narrative studies related to traditional healing and mental health outcomes. Findings: Recent research highlights significant outcomes: Yoga-based interventions have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance dependence. Research from institutions like NIMHANS supports their physiological and psychological benefits. Ayurvedic treatments, including Nasya Karma and herbal formulations, have shown potential in managing insomnia, stress, and mood disorders (Sharma & Sharma, 2023). Yoga Nidra, a meditative relaxation practice, has been associated with reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional regulation. Oral traditions and cultural narratives, especially among tribal groups, continue to shape perceptions of mental well-being and healing. Studies also reveal that a large proportion of people prefer consulting traditional healers or spiritual guides before seeking clinical interventions. Discussion: Traditional healing offers culturally resonant, cost-effective approaches that may complement formal psychiatric care. However, challenges such as a lack of regulation, varying quality standards, and gaps in mutual understanding between traditional and modern practitioners must be addressed. Conclusion: India’s diverse healing traditions, if systematically evaluated and ethically integrated, have the potential to enrich mental health care delivery. Policymakers and health professionals should consider inclusive frameworks that respect cultural identities while ensuring evidence-based practices.