Yoga and the Mind: An Interdisciplinary Review of Its Philosophical, Psychological, and Neural Foundations

A systematic review of research from 2000 to 2024 synthesizes philosophical, neuroscientific, and clinical perspectives on yoga's therapeutic value for mental health. Modern studies indicate that yoga balances the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, vagal tone, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory pathways, reducing stress and aiding emotional regulation. Neuroimaging shows structural and functional changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and insula. Psychologically, yoga improves mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy. Clinically, it alleviates symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, and occupational burnout, while promoting well-being and quality of life across ages. The review, based on fifty-five selected articles, presents yoga as both a traditional philosophical system and an evidence-based, inexpensive intervention, though it notes limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneous methodology.

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Abstract

This is a systematic review of the therapeutic value of yoga in mental health that incorporates philosophical, neuroscientific, and clinical viewpoints. It relies on research conducted between 2000 and 2024 to synthesize empirical findings in psychology, neurobiology, and psychiatry, considering how yoga is a multidimensional mind-body intervention. The review follows the history and philosophical foundation of yoga in ancient Indian philosophy and its evolution into a universal form of therapy. Modern studies indicate that yoga balances several critical biological processes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, vagal tone, neurotransmitter effects, and inflammatory pathways, leading to stress reduction and emotional regulation. Its cognitive and affective benefits are supported by neuroimaging studies, which show structural and functional modifications in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and insula. Psychologically, yoga has been shown to improve mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy, and clinically, it has proven to be highly effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, and occupational burnout. In addition to alleviating symptoms, yoga promotes well-being, meaning, and quality of life in both young and old age. The review, based on fifty-five selected research articles, highlights the dual nature of yoga as both a traditional philosophical system and an evidence-based treatment. It also outlines research limitations, including small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodology, and barriers to access, and requests more rigorous and culturally sensitive studies. In sum, yoga can serve as a scientifically proven, inexpensive, and comprehensive intervention with integrative biological, psychological, and spiritual effects that may help resolve the mental health crisis in the world.