Evaluating the Efficacy of Kundalini Yoga for Mental Health and Well-being: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Psychology and Mental Health Care August 12, 2024 DOI: 10.31579/2637-8892/295 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders or assessed for mental well-being, across six randomized controlled trials |
| Intervention | Kundalini Yoga |
| Key findings | Across six randomized controlled trials, Kundalini Yoga was generally more effective than control conditions at reducing anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD symptoms and improving well-being, though CBT showed slightly better long-term outcomes in some trials. The authors conclude the evidence is promising but limited by moderate risk of bias, blinding challenges, and small samples. |
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD pose significant challenges to public health. Traditional treatments, including pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), are effective but have limitations. With its dynamic breathing techniques, meditation, and chanting, Kundalini Yoga has shown the potential to improve mental health outcomes.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Kundalini Yoga on mental health and well-being. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from January 2000 to December 2023 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria focused on studies with individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders or assessed for mental well-being, comparing Kundalini Yoga to other interventions. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool and GRADE approach were utilized for quality assessment.
Results: Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies indicated that Kundalini Yoga significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD and improved overall well-being. Compared to control groups, Kundalini Yoga was generally more effective. However, CBT showed slightly better long-term outcomes in some studies. The risk of bias was moderate, with challenges in blinding and small sample sizes noted.
Conclusion: Kundalini Yoga is a promising intervention for improving mental health outcomes. It effectively reduces anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD symptoms and enhances overall well-being. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes, long-term follow-up, and standardized protocols to further validate these findings.