Yoga and Psychoneuroimmunology
Scott Blossom
International Journal of Yoga Therapy 2004 DOI: 10.17761/ijyt.14.1.n7378013rjkvj7u5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that psychoneuroimmunology research confirms the role of mind-based practices like meditation and Hatha-Yoga in health, aligning with yogic teachings that the mind is central to healing. Proposes that Yoga works by addressing unconscious conditioning and offering a multidimensional transformative practice. |
Abstract
Research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has helped to build confidence among members of the conventional medical community regarding the concrete positive effects that stress management, counseling, meditation,and Hatha-Yoga can play in treating disease and promoting health. The "discoveries" in this field are echoing a major theme in yogic scriptures—that the mind plays a central role in healing and wellness. In essence, Yoga is designed to optimize an individual's psychoneuroimmunological functioning by a) addressing the roots of negative, unconscious conditioning and b) prescribing a multidimensional practice for positive transformation.