Efficacy of Yoga in Enhancing the Mental Health of Women with Postpartum Depression: A Comprehensive Review
Kusum Sharma, Dr. Abhishek Bhardwaj
Indian Journal of YOGA Exercise & Sport Science and Physical Education June 20, 2026 DOI: 10.58914/ijyesspe.2026-11.1.6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | New mothers with symptoms of postpartum depression |
| Topics | Depression |
| Key findings | Yoga therapies, including physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, are beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms among postpartum mothers and enhancing overall mental and physical health, according to most reviewed studies. |
Abstract
Aim of the study: This comprehensive review aims to compile the corpus of research on the therapeutic effectiveness of yoga in enhancing the mental health and well-being of new mothers with symptoms of postpartum depression. The present study is an attempt to look at how yoga practice in the postnatal period after delivery of the baby can help in reducing the symptoms of postpartum depression in women.
Background: Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that typically consists of three main components: physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). Yoga has been examined as an essential intervention for postnatal depression in women. The existing research indicates that yoga can be more effective in managing symptoms of postpartum depression in women after delivery. Search Methodology: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and other sources, was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 2010 to 2025. The search was done for the terms included variations of “Yoga and Postpartum Depression,” Yoga asanas and postpartum depression, postpartum depression and breathing exercises, post. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, including randomised controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews evaluating the therapeutic effects of yoga in managing the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Results: The systematic review found a wide range of research demonstrating yoga’s therapeutic effectiveness in enhancing new mothers’ mental health. The findings of many studies indicate that yoga therapies, which include physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, are beneficial in minimizing depressive symptoms among mothers and enhancing mental and physical health overall.
Conclusion: The data compiled in this systematic review highlight yoga’s significance as an alternative and complementary therapy for improving and healing maternal physical and mental health. Most of the studies show the positive effect of practising yoga on women after childbirth and also reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression in women.