THE IMPACT OF YOGA PHILOSOPHY ON MENTAL HEALTH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Keywords:
Yoga, yoga philosophy, mental health.Abstract
Yoga philosophy, as presented in texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita,
Yoga Vasistha, and Upanishads, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding mental
health. This review explores the relationship between yoga philosophy and mental health,
drawing from empirical studies and conceptual frameworks. A systematic search was
conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, focusing on studies that
integrate physical yoga practices with philosophical teachings. The results reveal significant
mental health benefits when yoga’s philosophical elements, such as ethical principles, are
combined with physical postures (asanas). The review concludes that yoga philosophy offers
a holistic and integrative approach to mental health, benefiting not only the physical body but
also enhancing emotional balance, mindfulness, and overall well-being. This review suggests
a more structured inclusion of yoga philosophy in clinical and therapeutic settings to
maximize mental health outcomes.
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