Science Studies Yoga: A Review of Physiological Data by James Funderburk, PhD
Yoga Science & Spirituality December 15, 2025 DOI: 10.3889/yss.2025.6611 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that yoga can be treated as a subject of empirical physiological investigation, reviewing data on breathing, meditation, relaxation, and postures and their effects on respiration, cardiovascular function, metabolism, and neural activity. The author contends that despite limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of standardization, yoga is a legitimate area of physiological research bridging contemplative practice and Western biomedicine. |
Abstract
Science Studies Yoga: A Review of Physiological Data by James Funderburk represents a significant scholarly contribution to the scientific understanding of yoga. The book critically examines yoga not as a spiritual or philosophical system, but as a subject of empirical investigation grounded in modern physiology. Drawing on experimental studies, clinical observations, and laboratory measurements, Funderburk reviews physiological data related to yogic breathing, meditation, relaxation, and physical postures. The work systematically analyzes the effects of yoga on key physiological systems, including respiration, cardiovascular function, metabolism, and neural activity, with particular attention to indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, brain wave patterns, and autonomic nervous system responses. Emphasizing methodological rigor, the author carefully discusses the limitations of existing studies, including small sample sizes and lack of standardization, thereby presenting yoga research as an evolving scientific field. By integrating perspectives from physiology, psychology, and neuroscience, the book bridges Eastern contemplative practices and Western biomedical science and anticipates later developments in mind–body medicine. Overall, the work establishes yoga as a legitimate area of physiological research and provides a foundational reference for scholars and healthcare professionals interested in evidence-based approaches to mind–body practices.