Neuropsychological Impacts of Yogic Practices

Abstract

Research in 21st century has prove that yogic and mindfulness‐based practices have direct and indirect benefits to body in many ways. It also has been shown yoga triggers neurotransmitters that modulate psychological disorders such as aggressiveness, depression, anxiety and help to increase alertness and positive feelings. In this review, we have discussed the effect of yoga and meditation on human nervous system and the role of neurotransmitters. The mechanisms contributing to the therapeutic benefits of yoga include stress reduction, alteration of hypothalamopituitary adrenal axis, balancing the autonomic nervous system. This review includes the studies that describe the changes in the neurotransmitter and hormonal levels by yogic interventions to achieve improvements in the metabolic profile of yoga practitioner.