Joga w służbie psychoterapii: zastosowania i ograniczenia
Studia Religiologica December 19, 2025 DOI: 10.4467/20844077sr.25.009.22893 via OpenAlex
Summary
Yoga, originally a spiritual practice aimed at liberation from worldly existence, has been adapted into a global wellness practice with therapeutic benefits. This paper examines how yoga and psychotherapy intersect, identifying three ways yoga techniques—postures, breathwork, and meditation—are used in therapy: as additions to conventional psychotherapy, as mind-body programs combined with standard treatments, or as autonomous yoga-based psychotherapies. Evidence suggests yoga can reduce stress and improve mental health, but opinions are divided, and adverse effects, both physical and psychological, require attention. The paper calls for rigorous, culturally sensitive research to evaluate the efficacy and safety of yoga-based interventions in psychotherapy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychological intervention Globalization Mental health |
| Key finding | Yoga techniques have been integrated into Western psychotherapy through three strategies, but evidence is mixed and adverse effects warrant further study. |
Abstract
Modern yoga, shaped by globalization and cultural hybridization, has become a global wellness practice often associated with therapeutic benefits. This paper explores the relationship between yoga and psychotherapy, analyzing its applications and limitations. While yoga’s original soteriological aim – liberation from worldly existence – differs from psychotherapeutic goals, selected techniques such as postural exercises, breathwork, and meditation have been integrated into Western therapeutic models. Three main strategies are identified: (1) incorporating meditative practices into conventional psychotherapy, (2) creating mind-body programs combining yoga with standard treatments, and (3) developing autonomous yoga-based psychotherapies institutionalized by organizations like the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Despite promising evidence for stress reduction and improved mental health, research on yoga in psychotherapy reveals divided opinions, and adverse effects of psychotherapeutic yoga practices – both physical and psychological – require attention. The paper calls for rigorous studies and culturally sensitive frameworks to evaluate the efficacy and safety of yoga-based interventions in psychotherapeutic contexts.