Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
January 1, 2023
53 citations
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 340 million people and is a leading cause of disability. Chronic stress, defined as the perceived inability to cope, is a key risk factor that triggers psychological and physiological changes, including inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, and neurotransmitter imbalance. Yoga can reduce depressive symptoms by alleviating stress, lowering inflammation, maintaining autonomic balance, and influencing the HPA axis, GABA, limbic system activity, and inflammatory and endocrine responses. When combined with antidepressants, yoga helps reduce depressive symptoms in MDD patients, making it an ideal complementary and alternative therapy for mental health disorders.
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
January 1, 2023
25 citations
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that yoga and mindfulness practices significantly improve mindfulness and flow state in athletes aged 18–45, while reducing stress. The effect on mindfulness showed a mean difference of -2.6 (95% CI, -3.85 to -1.37), and flow state showed a standardized mean difference of 3.13 (95% CI, 2.48 to 3.77). Stress reduction was also significant (SMD -0.74, 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.52). However, effects on attention and awareness, action and acceptance, and anxiety were not statistically significant. The analysis suggests yoga and mindfulness offer complementary benefits for athletes' psychological health and performance.
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
January 1, 2023
Snehal Deshpande, Kamlesh D Patel, Tejal Parulkar et al.
7 citations
In India, infertility carries social stigma that often prevents couples from seeking support, increasing psychological distress. A retrospective series evaluated a Heartfulness-based integrative therapy combining a 5-day lifestyle workshop and online meditation sessions among 54 couples (mean female age 30.74, male age 34.03). Of these, 15 couples had male infertility, 16 female infertility, 5 both, and 18 unexplained infertility. 24 couples conceived: 18 naturally, five through assisted reproductive technology, and one spontaneous abortion. The program appeared beneficial for those who followed it as prescribed, suggesting Heartfulness meditation may support fertility outcomes, though causal relationships require future randomized controlled trials.