Music as a Therapeutic Medium in Integrative Health: An Interdisciplinary Framework Linking Sound-Based Practices, Traditional Herbal Medicine, and Hydration Practices

Abstract

Music has historically been associated with healing, ritual, social cohesion, and cultural identity across diverse societies. In contemporary health discourse, this historical relationship has been complemented by growing scholarly interest in music therapy, music-based interventions, and the broader role of musical engagement in psychological and social well-being. At the same time, traditional herbal medicine and culturally embedded wellness practices continue to constitute important components of health-related knowledge in many communities. This paper proposes an interdisciplinary conceptual framework that positions music as a connecting medium between sound-based practices, traditional herbal medicine, and hydration practices within an integrative health context. The study employs a narrative literature review and conceptual analysis. Literature concerning music and health, traditional and complementary medicine, cultural knowledge, and hydration practices is synthesized thematically rather than through a systematic-effect estimation. The paper distinguishes established evidence concerning music-based interventions from culturally situated interpretations and conceptual propositions. Particular attention is given to the distinction between professional music therapy and broader forms of musical participation, as well as to the limited clinical evidence concerning alkaline water. Accordingly, alkaline water is treated in this framework as a contextualized hydration and wellness practice rather than as an established therapeutic intervention. The proposed framework suggests that music may function as a cultural and experiential bridge through which emotional regulation, social interaction, meaning-making, and culturally embedded wellness practices can be considered within a broader conception of health. Traditional herbal medicine is approached primarily as a form of cultural and community-based health knowledge, while hydration practices are situated within everyday wellness rather than attributed unverified disease-preventive effects. The framework contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue by connecting creative practice, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and contemporary integrative health discourse. It also provides a conceptual basis for future empirical research examining culturally informed music practices and their relationship with psychological well-being, perceived quality of life, and experiences of health.