Ayurvedic Mind-Body Interventions For Stress And Emotional Health: A Review

Abstract

Stress is a major contributor to declining physical and emotional health in modern populations, disrupting physiological balance and increasing the risk of anxiety, mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases. Conventional stress management approaches often rely on pharmacological interventions, which may produce adverse effects during prolonged use. This has led to increasing interest in holistic and preventive strategies that support sustainable mental well-being. Ayurveda offers an integrated framework that combines physical, psychological, and behavioral practices to maintain health and manage stress. This review adopts a qualitative synthesis of classical Ayurvedic literature and recent scientific studies focusing on mind–body interventions such as Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Dinacharya, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa. Relevant peer-reviewed sources were examined to assess their role in stress reduction and emotional health. The findings indicate that these interventions positively influence neuroendocrine and autonomic functions, leading to reduced stress hormone levels, improved emotional regulation, better sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive performance. Evidence also highlights their role in strengthening resilience and promoting psychological well-being. Overall, Ayurvedic mind-body practices demonstrate significant potential as safe, accessible, and cost-effective approaches for stress management and emotional health promotion. Integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific insights provides a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for addressing stress-related disorders.