The Role of Yoga in Health and Human Consciousness: Insights from Modern Science and Classical Yogic Texts
Km Priyanka, Vinita Bajpai Mishra, Manorama Nikhra
International Journal of Physical Education Sports and Health August 1, 2026 DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2026.v13.i8c.4748 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | The paper proposes that yoga, as a comprehensive framework, fosters holistic health and higher consciousness by integrating body, mind, and awareness, supported by both classical scriptures and modern research. |
Abstract
Yoga offers a comprehensive and integrative framework for comprehending human awareness and health (Swasthya), making it one of the most significant contributions of ancient Indian knowledge systems. Yogic philosophy views health as a dynamic equilibrium among body, mind, and awareness, as opposed to the reductionist biomedical paradigm, which mainly concentrates on the physical and pathological aspects of health. Swasthya, which is derived from Swa (self) and Stha (established), emphasizes the spiritual aspect of well-being by suggesting a condition of being anchored in one's intrinsic character. In order to critically examine the relationship between yoga, health, and human consciousness, this theoretical research study synthesizes knowledge from both modern scientific research and classical Sanskrit scriptures. To understand the nature of mind, consciousness, and self-realization, foundational texts including the Bhagavad Gita, Taittiriya Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras are studied. The conceptual profundity of yogic science is explained by interpreting important Sanskrit mantras and shlokas. In order to assess the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts of yogic practices including asana, pranayama, and meditation, current research in neuroscience, psychology, and integrative medicine is reviewed. The study shows that yoga serves as a transformative practice that promotes higher levels of consciousness and improves mental clarity in addition to serving as a preventative healthcare system. This study demonstrates yoga as a philosophically thorough and scientifically applicable method for attaining holistic health and enhancing human potential by fusing ancient wisdom with empirical data.The conceptual profundity of yogic science is explained by interpreting important Sanskrit mantras and shlokas. In order to assess the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts of yogic practices including asana, pranayama, and meditation, current research in neuroscience, psychology, and integrative medicine is reviewed.