What Has Neuroimaging Taught Us on the Neurobiology of Yoga? A Review

A review of 34 neuroimaging studies of yoga practitioners finds consistent increases in gray matter volume in the insula and hippocampus, increased activation in prefrontal cortical regions, and functional connectivity changes mainly within the default mode network. Variability in findings partially reflects different yoga styles and sample size limitations. Direct comparator groups such as physical activity are rarely used. The authors discuss hypotheses on the underlying neurobiology of yoga's potential beneficial effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with several implicated physical and mental benefits. Here we provide a comprehensive and critical review of the research generated from the existing neuroimaging literature in studies of yoga practitioners. We reviewed 34 international peer-reviewed neuroimaging studies of yoga using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): 11 morphological and 26 functional studies, including three studies that were classified as both morphological and functional. Consistent findings include increased gray matter volume in the insula and hippocampus, increased activation of prefrontal cortical regions, and functional connectivity changes mainly within the default mode network. There is quite some variability in the neuroimaging findings that partially reflects different yoga styles and approaches, as well as sample size limitations. Direct comparator groups such as physical activity are scarcely used so far. Finally, hypotheses on the underlying neurobiology derived from the imaging findings are discussed in the light of the potential beneficial effects of yoga.