Can Yoga Bring Molecular Changes in Brain and Body: Gaps and Trends

Abstract

Mind body therapy which includes Yoga, Tai chi, Qigong, etc., are re-emerging as beneficial tools for providing solutions to the post-modern health care challenges. These therapies are believed to address the mind body interaction by either inducing parasympathetic systems or molecular mechanisms hitherto undeciphered. Among these mind body therapies, Yoga is considered as a fast growing and popular system of asana and breathing practices which allow seamless integration of physical exercises with meditative postures. The precise molecular mechanism underlying yoga, therefore, remains unclear. The proposed book chapter will provide a historical review of studies arguing in support of the hypothesis that these mind body interventions must have measurable regenerative and molecular effects that need the same rigour of scientific investigation and analysis reserved for orthodox pharmacological discovery.