Yoga and the Mind-Body Connection
Dilshith Azeezul Kabeer, W. Vinu, K. K. Shareef, M. K. Aravind, N. K. Ashif Ali
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga April 16, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-4187-3.ch011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that yoga facilitates the body-mind connection and promotes emotional resilience and psychological health, with research indicating efficacy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress, though methodological and cultural challenges remain. |
Abstract
The chapter presents a unified examination of yoga and its body-mind approach by exploring neural mechanisms, psychological and philosophical aspects. It examines how yoga facilitates the body-mind connection through yogic texts and scientific study, such as breath regulation (pranayama), postural awareness (asana) and meditative focus (dhyana). This study applies polyvagal theory, interoceptive awareness, neuroplasticity and the biopsychosocial framework. Research in neuroscience and mental health shows yoga's efficacy in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. The chapter highlights yoga as an evidence-based non-drug intervention combining traditional Eastern knowledge with Western science to benefit mental health holistically. This part outlines present-day yoga research restrictions, including cultural knowledge appropriateness, methodological challenges, and future directions. This research supports yoga as an effective practice for developing unified mind-body relationships, emotional resilience and psychological health in both individuals and collective contexts.