Indigenous Healing Practices and Their Relevance in Contemporary Mental Health Care

Abstract

Stress has emerged as a pervasive global health issue affecting individuals across all age groups, leading to significant physical, psychological and social consequences. Rapid technological advancements, academic pressures and evolving lifestyles have contributed to increasing levels of chronic stress, which is associated with anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and diminished overall well-being (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). This paper presents a comparative analysis of traditional stress management methods-such as yoga, meditation and indigenous healing practices—with modern approaches including pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy.
Traditional methods emphasize holistic well-being by integrating mind, body and environment, whereas modern approaches primarily focus on symptom management. Drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, books, and empirical studies published between 2020 and 2026, this research highlights the effectiveness of both approaches. Findings suggest that traditional practices significantly reduce stress levels, enhance emotional resilience and improve quality of life. Furthermore, integrating traditional and modern strategies provides a comprehensive, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for stress management.