Reframing Mind–Body Medicine - A Case for Integrating Yoga into Neurology Clinics

Sep 30, 2026

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Explores how integrating yoga into neurology clinics may support clinical outcomes across neurological disorders. Summarizes evidence from randomised and open-label trials, including migraine improvements via pranayama training and reductions in disability and medication use, and Parkinson’s disease changes consistent with neuroplasticity. Discusses mechanistic plausibility through autonomic balancing, stress modulation, and brain activation patterns during pranayama, while addressing feasibility, patient acceptability, and remaining methodological limitations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Clinical Evidence in Neurological Diseases

Migraine

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Mechanistic Plausibility

Patient Acceptability and Feasibility

Benefits of Yoga in Neurology Mind–Body Interventions

Holistic Health Approach

Therapeutic Potential

Mechanisms of Action

Neurophysiological Effects

Pain Management

Remaining Challenges

Reframing Mind–Body Medicine: A Case for Integrating Yoga into Neurology Clinics Annals of Neurosciences 1–3 © The Author(s) 2025 Article reuse guidelines: [in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india](in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india)[ ](in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india)DOI: 10. 1177/09727531251362022 [journals.sagepub.com/home/aon](journals.sagepub.com/home/aon) Suchishrava Choudhary 1 and Prashant Kumar Choudhary2 Introduction Yoga, an ancient system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices, has increasingly garnered attention in clinical neuroscience. Recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that integrating yogic techniques, such as breath regulation (pranayama), postural practices (asanas), and meditative focus, may enhance outcomes across neurological disorders. However, despite this promise, systematic adoption of yoga as an adjunct in neurology clinics remains rare. Clinical Evidence in Neurological Diseases Migraine A 2023 open-label RCT in 80 migraine patients found that three months of pranayama training significantly reduced headache severity, frequency, and disability scores when added to conventional treatment.1 The CONTAIN trial (n = 160) further supported these findings, showing a reduction of 3.5 migraine days per month and decreased medication usage in yoga participants.2 A 2007 study also reported improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life with a three-month yoga module.3 Parkinson’s Disease (PD) A 2023 study demonstrated that a one month yoga intervention improved postural stability and reduced cortical inhibition (measured via short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and contralateral silent period (cSP)), indicating neuroplastic effects in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients.4 Mechanistic Plausibility Yoga has been associated with enhanced parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic tone, suggesting a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system. A systematic review indicated that yoga may reduce cortisol levels and modulate stress reactivity.5 Furthermore, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based studies on pranayama have shown activation changes in the amygdala, insula, and medial prefrontal cortex, areas linked with emotion regulation and pain processing.6 In PD, cortical disinhibition is an early feature. A reduction in SICI and cSP following yoga may indicate improved cortical excitability, which could aid motor control and support neurorehabilitation.4 Patient Acceptability and Feasibility Yoga sessions of 20–30 minutes, focusing on breath and gentle movement, are often well tolerated and promote adherence. A comprehensive overview by McCall et al.7 similarly, highlights that yoga interventions across various acute and chronic health conditions are generally safe, show no reports of adverse effects, and demonstrate a positive trend for patient tolerance and feasibility, especially in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain.7 Benefits of Yoga in Neurology Mind–Body Interventions Yoga is part of a broader category of mind–body therapies that have shown efficacy in treating neurological conditions, such as migraines and fibromyalgia. These therapies often involve meditation, relaxation, and breathing techniques, which are integral to yoga practice.8 1 Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India 2Department of Physical Education Pedagogy, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India Corresponding author: Prashant Kumar Choudhary, Department of Physical Education Pedagogy, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474002, India. E-mail: [prashantlnipe2014@gmail.com](prashantlnipe2014@gmail.com) Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 License ([http://www.creativecommons.or

FAQs

What clinical outcomes does the article associate with adding yoga to standard neurology care?

It links yoga—especially pranayama and gentle movement—to improved migraine severity, frequency, disability, and medication usage, and to Parkinson’s disease improvements in measures consistent with neuroplastic effects.

Which mechanisms are proposed to explain yoga’s potential effects in neurological conditions?

The article proposes autonomic nervous system balancing, reduced stress reactivity via cortisol modulation, and pranayama-related activation changes in emotion- and pain-processing brain regions. It also discusses cortical excitability changes in Parkinson’s disease.

How does the article address feasibility and remaining research limitations?

It reports that brief yoga sessions (about 20–30 minutes) focusing on breath and gentle movement are generally well tolerated and support adherence. It also notes that many studies are underpowered, lack blinding, or use heterogeneous protocols, motivating standardized reporting tools such as CLARIFY.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo