How yoga shapes the brain: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Yoga, an ancient Indian mind-body practice, is gaining global recognition.
• Emerging research suggests yoga offers significant health benefits, particularly for the brain.
• Studies indicate yoga can reduce stress, modulate neurotransmitters, and improve cerebral blood flow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on yoga's effects on human brain structure and function.
• To analyze findings from peer-reviewed neuroimaging studies involving healthy participants.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of yoga's impact on the brain.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and analysis of 23 international peer-reviewed neuroimaging studies.
• Studies were selected from Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo databases.
• Neuroimaging techniques included Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), and Electroencephalography (EEG).

Main Results:

• Yoga demonstrates potential for multiple positive effects on brain structure and function.
• Observed effects include changes in brain activity, connectivity, and gray matter volume.
• Neurotransmitter modulation and increased cerebral blood flow are also associated with yoga practice.

Conclusions:

• Yoga may exert diverse beneficial effects on the brain.
• Heterogeneity in results may stem from variations in study design, participant characteristics, and definitions of yoga.
• Further research is recommended to clarify yoga's neuropsychological benefits and establish standardized methodologies.