Emotional Healing and Self-Care Through Yoga for HIV/AIDS Patients
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 30, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21318635 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Yoga |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Coping psychology Intervention counseling Mental health Emotional regulation Health care Psychotherapist Psychological resilience Quality philosophy Clinical psychology Emotional stress Relaxation psychology Guided imagery Breathing exercises |
| Key points | Proposes that yoga, as a mind-body discipline, can improve emotional regulation and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS by influencing psycho-physiological systems and fostering self-acceptance. |
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is not only a chronic medical condition but also a profound psychological and social challenge that affects emotional well-being, self-esteem, and quality of life. Alongside Anti-retroviral therapy (ART), holistic approaches are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for improving mental health and promoting resilience among people living with HIV/AIDS. Yoga, an ancient mind body discipline, integrates physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles, offering a comprehensive framework for emotional healing and self-care. This paper explores the role of yoga in supporting emotional stability, reducing stress, alleviating anxiety and depression, and enhancing self-awareness among HIV/AIDS patients. It examines the psycho-physiological mechanisms through which yoga influences the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, thereby contributing to improved emotional regulation and overall well-being. The study also highlights the social and spiritual dimensions of yoga, emphasizing its potential to counter stigma, foster self-acceptance, and strengthen coping capacities. Furthermore, the paper proposes a structured yoga-based self-care model tailored to the needs of HIV/AIDS patients, incorporating gentle postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness-based interventions. By integrating yoga into conventional healthcare settings, a more holistic and patient-centred approach to HIV/AIDS management can be achieved. Ultimately, yoga emerges as a cost-effective, accessible, and culturally adaptable intervention that empowers individuals living with HIV/AIDS to cultivate emotional resilience, enhance self-care practices, and improve their quality of life.