Contemplative practices for healing historical trauma among BIPOC populations: a scoping review.
Frontiers in public health January 1, 2026 My Ngoc To, Ramona Beltrán, Keli King
A scoping review of 35 intervention studies found that contemplative practices—such as creative, relational, ritual, and stillness exercises—are increasingly used to heal historical trauma, especially in Indigenous communities. Most interventions occurred at the community or group level, and more than half used contemplative practices as a core component. Seven healing mechanisms were identified: establishing safety and belonging, revitalizing culture, increasing well-being, processing emotion, raising consciousness, changing narratives, and growing empowerment. The review calls for recognizing culturally grounded practices in contemplative science and for research partnerships with BIPOC communities.