Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi have discovered that listening to the Indian classical music raga Bhairavi in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This groundbreaking study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, provides compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of combining traditional Indian music with cutting-edge VR technology.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in India
India is facing a growing mental health crisis, with an estimated 150 million people affected by conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression. Conventional treatment options, such as medication and therapy, are often inaccessible or unaffordable for many. This has led researchers to explore innovative, non-invasive approaches to mental health care, and the study of Indian classical music has emerged as a promising avenue.
The Therapeutic Potential of Raga Bhairavi
The researchers focused on the raga Bhairavi, a classical Indian musical mode believed to have unique emotional and physiological effects. Raga Bhairavi is considered a “complete” raga, as it encompasses all seven musical notes and is traditionally associated with promoting relaxation and well-being.
Immersing in the Healing Power of VR
To harness the therapeutic potential of raga Bhairavi, the researchers designed an innovative study that combined the music with an immersive virtual reality environment. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR-raga group, where they listened to the raga in a 360-degree VR setting, or a control group with no exposure to the music.
Measuring Psychological and Physiological Responses
The study used a combination of subjective and objective measures to assess the impact of the VR-raga intervention. Participants completed the Click Here
