Molecular Signature of the Immune Response to Yoga Therapy in Stress-related Chronic Disease Conditions: An Insight
International Journal of Yoga January 1, 2020 H. Venkatesh, H. Ravish, C. R. Wilma Delphine Silvia et al.
Chronic stress contributes to hormonal imbalance and inflammation, underlying many chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and asthma. Yoga therapy, a complementary alternative medicine incorporating breathing techniques and mindfulness, positively affects mind and body and may regulate brain structure and function. Although yoga therapy shows immunomodulatory effects, its cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This review summarizes evidence for yoga therapy's positive impact on immune system functioning, aiming to identify immunological signatures that index its effects. The authors argue that yoga, long part of Indian culture, should be scientifically validated and implemented as an alternative treatment for stress-related chronic disease.