Buddhist teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, mindfulness, and meditation, align with modern psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and positive psychology. Empirical research supports the role of these practices in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing well-being. The integration of ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary mental health approaches shows its ongoing relevance for addressing psychological distress.
Yoga-based practices modulate brain function and emotional regulation through a dynamic interaction between top-down control processes and bottom-up interoceptive awareness, synchronizing cortical and subcortical networks. Regular yoga induces structural and functional changes in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, enhancing neurocognitive resource efficiency and reducing allostatic load. Psychophysiologically, yoga increases parasympathetic activity, reduces heart rate variability, and improves vagal tone, aligning with polyvagal theory. Long-term practice strengthens resilience via neuroplasticity, reduced stress reactivity, and improved emotion-cognition integration, positioning yoga as embodied cognitive training that bridges contemplative traditions with neuroscience.