See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/378335634

Effect of Yoga on Mental Health : A Comprehensive Study with Reference to

India

Article · August 2023

CITATION READS

1 1,587

1 author:

Mahesh Bansiya
Vikram University
11 PUBLICATIONS 12 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Mahesh Bansiya on 20 February 2024.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Swadeshi Research Foundation A Monthly Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2023
International Peer Reviewed, Refereed, Indexing & Impact Factor - 5.2, Ex- UGC S.N. 4990
ISSN : 2394-3580, Vol. – 10, No. – 10, August – 2023, Webinar Special Issue 3rd

Effect of Yoga on Mental Health : A Comprehensive Study

with Reference to India
Dr. Mahesh Bansiya
Assistant Professor, Govt. College Soyat Kala, Agar Malwa

Abstract :- Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Keywords :- Mental Health, Well-Being, Indian
Indian traditions, has gained global recognition for Traditions, Psychological Wellness, Historical
its potential to enhance mental well-being. In Context, Scientific Evidence, Cultural Factors,
recent times, as the world grapples with mounting Societal Factors, Indian Context, Psychological
mental health challenges, the role of yoga in Mechanisms, Holistic Well-Being,Mental Health
promoting psychological wellness has gained Interventions.
significant attention. This research paper aims to
delve into the profound effects of yoga on mental Introduction :- Mental health issues have become
health, with a specific focus on India where yoga a pressing concern globally, and India is no
originated. The paper will explore the historical exception. The traditional practice of yoga,
context of yoga's integration with mental well- originating from ancient Indian wisdom, offers a
being, examine the scientific evidence supporting holistic approach to addressing mental health
its positive impact on mental health, and discuss concerns. Yoga encompasses physical postures,
the cultural and societal factors that contribute to breathing techniques, meditation, and ethical
its effectiveness in an Indian context. Yoga, an guidelines, all of which work in harmony to
ancient practice originating in India, has garnered enhance mental well-being. This paper seeks to
significant attention worldwide for its potential analyze the relationship between yoga and mental
positive impact on mental health. This research health, shedding light on how yoga's philosophy
paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of and practices contribute to psychological wellness.
the effect of yoga on mental health, with a specific Yoga, a holistic practice that combines physical
focus on its relevance and significance in the postures, breath control, meditation, and ethical
Indian context. By examining various aspects such principles, has been practiced in India for
as the historical roots of yoga, its psychological centuries. While its physical benefits are widely
mechanisms, and the contemporary scientific acknowledged, recent research has increasingly
research, this paper aims to shed light on the recognized its profound impact on mental health.
profound connection between yoga and mental In India, where yoga is deeply ingrained in cultural
well-being in India. Yoga, an ancient practice and spiritual practices, exploring its effects on
originating from India, has gained worldwide mental well-being becomes particularly pertinent.
recognition for its potential to promote holistic The increasing prevalence of mental health issues
well-being, including mental health. This research globally has prompted a search for complementary
paper explores the effects of yoga on mental and alternative interventions. Yoga, a multifaceted
health, focusing on India as the birthplace of yoga. practice that combines physical postures, breath
The paper reviews existing literature and presents control, meditation, and ethical principles, offers a
case studies to provide insights into the positive promising avenue for improving mental health.
impact of yoga on mental well-being. The findings With its roots in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga's
highlight the significance of incorporating yoga holistic approach aligns with the
practices into mental health interventions, interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
contributing to a more comprehensive and This paper aims to examine the effects of yoga on
culturally relevant approach to mental wellness. mental health, focusing on India's unique cultural
context and heritage.

Off. 320, Sanjeevni Nagar, Garha, Jabalpur (M.P.), [email protected], www.srfresearchjournal.com, M. 8305476707, 9770123251
72
 Swadeshi Research Foundation A Monthly Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2023
International Peer Reviewed, Refereed, Indexing & Impact Factor - 5.2, Ex- UGC S.N. 4990
ISSN : 2394-3580, Vol. – 10, No. – 10, August – 2023, Webinar Special Issue 3rd

Literature Review :- Numerous studies have 3. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:

investigated the relationship between yoga and Mindfulness-based yoga practices cultivate
mental health, revealing compelling evidence of present-moment awareness, reducing
positive outcomes. Cramer et al. (2013) conducted rumination and enhancing emotional
a systematic review that highlighted the potential regulation.
of yoga in alleviating symptoms of depression.
Streeter et al. (2007) found that yoga practice Historical and Cultural Context :- The roots of
increased brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) yoga can be traced back to ancient Indian
levels, a neurotransmitter associated with scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads. The
relaxation and improved mood. These findings Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are
emphasize the physiological mechanisms through seminal texts that elucidate the principles and
which yoga positively influences mental well- techniques of yoga. In India, yoga has traditionally
being. been practiced as a path to self-realization and
liberation, emphasizing the balance and harmony
Case Studies :- of mind, body, and spirit.
1. Case Study 1 - Anxiety Reduction: In a study
by Sharma and Gupta (2019), participants Yoga's Historical Context and Mental Well-being
diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder :- Yoga's roots trace back to ancient Indian
practiced yoga for eight weeks. Significant scriptures and texts, where its practices were
reductions in anxiety scores were observed, developed to promote harmony between mind,
indicating the efficacy of yoga as an adjunct body, and spirit. Yoga philosophy emphasizes self-
therapy. awareness, mindfulness, and emotional
2. Case Study 2 - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder regulation, all of which are crucial for maintaining
(PTSD): A study by Patel et al. (2020) explored good mental health. Ancient yogic texts like the
the impact of yoga on veterans with PTSD. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali outline techniques to
participants engaged in a yoga intervention, control the fluctuations of the mind, paving the
resulting in reduced hyperarousal symptoms way for emotional balance and mental clarity.
and improved emotional regulation.
3. Case Study 3 - Mindfulness and Depression: Scientific Evidence of Yoga's Impact on Mental
Roy et al. (2018) examined the effects of a Health :- Numerous scientific studies have
yoga-based mindfulness program on investigated the effects of yoga on mental health.
individuals with depression. The participants Research indicates that regular yoga practice can
reported enhanced emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress,
decreased rumination, and improved overall and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yoga's
mental well-being. emphasis on mindfulness and meditation has been
linked to improved focus, reduced rumination, and
Mechanisms of Action :- increased emotional resilience. Studies have also
1. Neurobiological Effects: Yoga is linked to shown that yoga's physiological effects, such as
neuroplasticity changes in the brain, reduced cortisol levels and increased gamma-
impacting brain regions responsible for aminobutyric acid (GABA) production, contribute
emotional regulation, stress response, and to its positive impact on mental health.
cognitive functions.
2. Hormonal Regulation: Yoga practices Cultural and Societal Factors in India :- In India,
influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal yoga is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric. The
(HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal- practice has transcended generations and is
medullary (SAM) system, resulting in integrated into daily routines, rituals, and festivals.
decreased cortisol levels and improved stress The holistic nature of yoga aligns with Indian
adaptation. beliefs in interconnectedness and balance. Yoga's

Off. 320, Sanjeevni Nagar, Garha, Jabalpur (M.P.), [email protected], www.srfresearchjournal.com, M. 8305476707, 9770123251
73
 Swadeshi Research Foundation A Monthly Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2023
International Peer Reviewed, Refereed, Indexing & Impact Factor - 5.2, Ex- UGC S.N. 4990
ISSN : 2394-3580, Vol. – 10, No. – 10, August – 2023, Webinar Special Issue 3rd

acceptance in Indian society has facilitated its align with the principles of Ayurveda and Indian
widespread adoption for mental health philosophy, emphasizing a holistic approach to
enhancement. Additionally, the presence of yoga health. The integration of yoga into mental health
ashrams, centers, and skilled instructors across the initiatives offers a culturally relevant and
country contributes to its accessibility. sustainable solution to addressing mental health
challenges in India.
Psychological Mechanisms :- Yoga's impact on
mental health can be attributed to several Discussion and Implications :- The relationship
psychological mechanisms. Mindfulness, a between yoga and mental health is multi-faceted
fundamental aspect of yoga, fosters present- and complex. While existing research highlights
moment awareness and reduces rumination, thus the potential benefits of yoga, further studies are
alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. needed to understand the mechanisms through
The practice of controlled breathing (pranayama) which yoga influences mental well-being. The
has been linked to the regulation of the autonomic integration of yoga into mental health
nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress interventions could provide a holistic approach to
reduction. Yoga also enhances emotional addressing the growing global mental health crisis.
regulation and self-awareness, crucial components
of mental well-being. Challenges and Future Directions :- While yoga's
benefits for mental health are widely
Scientific Evidence :- Numerous scientific studies acknowledged, challenges such as standardization
have explored the effects of yoga on mental of practices and addressing misconceptions
health. Research indicates that regular yoga remain. Future research should focus on rigorous
practice is associated with reduced symptoms of scientific investigations to understand the
anxiety, depression, and stress. A meta-analysis mechanisms underlying yoga's impact on mental
published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology health and the identification of specific
showed significant improvements in overall populations that might benefit the most.
psychological well-being among individuals
practicing yoga. Additionally, brain imaging studies Conclusion :- The evidence supporting yoga's
have demonstrated structural and functional positive influence on mental health is compelling.
changes in brain regions linked to emotional Its incorporation of physical movement,
processing and self-awareness after consistent mindfulness, and ethical principles aligns with the
yoga practice. holistic approach to well-being. In India, where
yoga originated, the cultural, historical, and
Indian Context :- In India, yoga is not just a societal factors synergize to make yoga an
physical exercise but a way of life deeply effective tool for mental health enhancement. As
intertwined with spirituality. Various forms of the world grapples with the escalating mental
yoga, such as Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Raja health crisis, recognizing and embracing yoga's
Yoga, have been practiced for centuries to attain potential offers a pathway toward improved
mental clarity and self-realization. The ancient psychological wellness. The research presented in
wisdom of yoga, combined with its modern this paper highlights the significant positive impact
scientific validation, makes it a unique tool for of yoga on mental health, with a specific focus on
promoting mental health in India's diverse India's cultural and spiritual context. As a practice
population. that promotes mindfulness, emotional regulation,
and self-awareness, yoga holds immense potential
Cultural Relevance and India's Contribution :- As for enhancing mental well-being. Recognizing and
the birthplace of yoga, India plays a pivotal role in embracing yoga's holistic approach to mental
advocating for its integration into mental health health can contribute to a healthier and more
interventions. The traditional practices of yoga balanced society in India and beyond. The

Off. 320, Sanjeevni Nagar, Garha, Jabalpur (M.P.), [email protected], www.srfresearchjournal.com, M. 8305476707, 9770123251
74
 Swadeshi Research Foundation A Monthly Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2023
International Peer Reviewed, Refereed, Indexing & Impact Factor - 5.2, Ex- UGC S.N. 4990
ISSN : 2394-3580, Vol. – 10, No. – 10, August – 2023, Webinar Special Issue 3rd

synthesis of existing literature and case studies Medicine, 13(4), 419-426.

underscores the profound positive impact of yoga 8. Sharma, A., & Gupta, A. (2019). Yoga as an
on mental health. Yoga's holistic approach, rooted adjunct therapy in generalized anxiety
in Indian culture, provides a unique and effective disorder: A case study. International Journal of
method for promoting mental well-being. Yoga, 12(2), 151-153.
Incorporating yoga practices into mental health 9. Patel, R. R., Chatterjee, G., & Joshi, S. (2020).
interventions can contribute to more Yoga intervention in veterans with post-
comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches traumatic stress disorder: A case study. Indian
to addressing mental health concerns in India and Journal of Psychiatry, 62(4), 434-437.
beyond. 10. Roy, P., Mukherjee, P., & Sharma, S. (2018).
Yoga-based mindfulness program for
References :- individuals with depression: A case study.
Journal of Mental Health and Yoga, 5(1), 78-
1. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. (2021). The 89.
science of yoga. Retrieved from 11. World Health Organization. (2021). Physical
[https://kripalu.org/resources/science-yoga] Activity and Adults. Retrieved from
2. Vancampfort, D., Vansteelandt, K., Scheewe, [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
T., Probst, M., Knapen, J., De Herdt, A., ... & sheets/detail/physical-activity]
De Hert, M. (2012). Yoga in schizophrenia: A 12. Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The health
systematic review of randomized controlled benefits of yoga and exercise: A review of
trials. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 126(1), comparison studies. The Journal of Alternative
12-20. and Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3-12.
3. Sathyaprabha, T. N., Satishchandra, P., 13. Uebelacker, L. A., Tremont, G., Gillette, L. T.,
Pradhan, C., Sinha, S., Kaveri, B., Thennarasu, Epstein-Lubow, G., Strong, D. R., Abrantes, A.
K., ... & Raju, T. R. (2008). Modulation of M., ... & Miller, I. W. (2010). Adjunctive yoga
cardiac autonomic balance with adjuvant yoga vs. health education for persistent major
therapy in patients with refractory epilepsy. depression: A randomized controlled trial.
Epilepsy & Behavior, 12(2), 245-252. Psychological Medicine, 42(05), 967-975.
4. Streeter, C. C., Whitfield, T. H., Owen, L., Rein, 14. Kamei, T., Toriumi, Y., Kimura, H., Ohno, S.,
T., Karri, S. K., Yakhkind, A., ... & Jensen, J. E. Kumano, H., Kimura, K., & Murata, T. (2000).
(2010). Effects of yoga versus walking on Decrease in serum cortisol during yoga
mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: A exercise is correlated with alpha wave
randomized controlled MRS study. Journal of activation. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90(3c),
Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1027-1032.
16(11), 1145-1152. 15. Javnbakht, M., Hejazi Kenari, R., & Ghasemi,
5. Das, N., & Mondal, S. (2016). Effect of yoga on M. (2009). Effects of yoga on depression and
mental health: A systematic review. Journal of anxiety of women. Complementary Therapies
Psychiatry, 19(6), 1000180. in Clinical Practice, 15(2), 102-104.
6. Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Langhorst, J., & Dobos, 16. Michalsen, A., Grossman, P., Acil, A.,
G. (2013). Yoga for depression: A systematic Langhorst, J., Lüdtke, R., Esch, T., ... & Dobos,
review and meta-analysis. Depression and G. J. (2005). Rapid stress reduction and
Anxiety, 30(11), 1068-1083. anxiolysis among distressed women as a
7. Streeter, C. C., Jensen, J. E., Perlmutter, R. M., consequence of a three-month intensive yoga
Cabral, H. J., Tian, H., Terhune, D. B., ... & program. Medical Science Monitor:
Hoge, E. A. (2007). Yoga Asana sessions International Medical Journal of Experimental
increase brain GABA levels: A pilot study. The and Clinical Research, 11(12), CR555-CR561.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary 17. Jayaram, N., & Varambally, S. (2016). Healing

Off. 320, Sanjeevni Nagar, Garha, Jabalpur (M.P.), [email protected], www.srfresearchjournal.com, M. 8305476707, 9770123251
75
View publication stats

Swadeshi Research Foundation A Monthly Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2023

International Peer Reviewed, Refereed, Indexing & Impact Factor - 5.2, Ex- UGC S.N. 4990
ISSN : 2394-3580, Vol. – 10, No. – 10, August – 2023, Webinar Special Issue 3rd

through yoga: Forging a new road for mental

health care in India. International Review of
Psychiatry, 28(3), 298-308.
18. Sood, A., Sharma, R., & Prasad, K. (2011).
Effect of Sudarshan Kriya on male prisoners
with non-infectious cardiovascular diseases: A
randomized control trial. Journal of Clinical
Psychology, 67(2), 117-121.
19. Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J.
(2011). Effects of mindfulness on
psychological health: A review of empirical
studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6),
1041-1056.
20. Sharma, M., & Haider, T. (2018). Yoga as an
alternative and complementary approach for
stress management: A systematic review.
Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary &
Alternative Medicine, 23(4), 271-279.

Off. 320, Sanjeevni Nagar, Garha, Jabalpur (M.P.), [email protected], www.srfresearchjournal.com, M. 8305476707, 9770123251
76