Evaluating the impact of Gayatri Mantra chanting and meditation on treatment outcomes in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: A prospective study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a long-lasting skin condition marked by the appearance of hives and angioedema, which significantly impacts quality of life. Despite standard pharmacotherapies, many patients remain symptomatic, necessitating the exploration of complementary treatments. This study examines the effects of integrating Gayatri Mantra (GM) chanting and meditation with conventional pharmacotherapy on CSU management. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Diabetes and Allergy Asthma Therapeutics Specialty Clinic in Kolkata, India, this prospective observational study included 119 patients with CSU who had been on antihistamines for at least 6 months. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A received standard pharmacotherapy, and Group B received the same pharmacotherapy along with daily GM chanting and meditation. Primary outcomes measured were the Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in UAS7, CU-Q2oL, and DLQI scores posttreatment. However, Group B, which participated in GM chanting and meditation, exhibited more pronounced improvements: UAS7 scores were reduced by 49.4% compared to 41.9% in Group A; CU-Q2oL scores by 52.9% compared to 42.5%; and DLQI scores by 73.7% compared to 60.5%. The reductions in BAI scores were also significantly greater in Group B (42.3% reduction) compared to Group A (4.96%). Conclusion: The addition of GM chanting and meditation to standard pharmacotherapy for CSU significantly enhances the effectiveness of treatment, suggesting that this integrative approach could provide substantial benefits in the management of CSU. These findings advocate for the incorporation of spiritual and meditative practices alongside conventional medical treatments to achieve better patient outcomes.