Yoga therapy: An overview of key research and the underlying mechanisms

Eileen M. Lafer; Margaret McCuiston; Ann Swanson

doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-3254-6.ch010

Yoga therapy: An overview of key research and the underlying mechanisms

Eileen M. Lafer, Margaret McCuiston, Ann Swanson

Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter reviews the evidence supporting the efficacy of yoga therapy for wellness, and as an adjunct to standard care for a number of chronic conditions. The underlying mechanisms are explored, including the physiological and biochemical changes that have been observed in yoga practitioners. Yoga has been found to activate the relaxation response-a physiological state which reduces stress on bodily systems. Yoga leads to changes in gene expression, including decreases in the expression of genes involved in stress and inflammation. The positive effects of yoga therapy are interpreted through the lens of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, which cultivates eudaimonic well-being and salutogenesis. Researchers attribute a wide range of yoga's therapeutic benefits largely to its whole-person approach to well-being.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications
Publisher	IGI Global
Pages	159-178
Number of pages	20
ISBN (Electronic)	9781799832553
ISBN (Print)	1799832546, 9781799832546
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-3254-6.ch010
State	Published - Aug 28 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health Professions(all)
Medicine(all)

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Yoga therapy: An overview of key research and the underlying mechanisms

Abstract

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