Abstract
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with several implicated physical and mental benefits. Here we provide a comprehensive and critical review of the research generated from the existing neuroimaging literature in studies of yoga practitioners. We reviewed 34 international peer-reviewed neuroimaging studies of yoga using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): 11 morphological and 26 functional studies, including three studies that were classified as both morphological and functional. Consistent findings include increased gray matter volume in the insula and hippocampus, increased activation of prefrontal cortical regions, and functional connectivity changes mainly within the default mode network. There is quite some variability in the neuroimaging findings that partially reflects different yoga styles and approaches, as well as sample size limitations. Direct comparator groups such as physical activity are scarcely used so far. Finally, hypotheses on the underlying neurobiology derived from the imaging findings are discussed in the light of the potential beneficial effects of yoga.
Highlights
The term yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word yuj and means “union” or a “method of spiritual union.” Yoga originated in India and is a behavioral practice that unites physical and mental training aimed at improving health and promoting personal transformation, with the ultimate goal of attaining samadhi
We considered all studies using structural and functional neuroimaging to investigate different forms of yoga styles that met the following inclusion criteria: (i) articles that were available in English, German, Dutch, or French; (ii) articles that used neuroimaging techniques; and (iii) articles published in peerreviewed scientific journals
Morphological neuroimaging findings are consistent with an increase in regional gray matter (GM) density or volume in yoga practitioners compared to controls
Summary
The term yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word yuj and means “union” or a “method of spiritual union.” Yoga originated in India and is a behavioral practice that unites physical and mental training aimed at improving health and promoting personal transformation, with the ultimate goal of attaining samadhi (pure consciousness). Yoga originated in India and is a behavioral practice that unites physical and mental training aimed at improving health and promoting personal transformation, with the ultimate goal of attaining samadhi (pure consciousness). According to Patanjali’s Sutras, yoga encompasses the following eight aspects (limbs): yamas (ethical guidelines, abstinence from immoral behavior), niyamas (self-discipline), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (pure consciousness) (Villemure et al, 2014, 2015; Birdee et al, 2016; Eyre et al, 2016; Khalsa et al, 2016). Dozens of variations in yoga philosophy and styles have emerged. Some yoga styles are structured as a physical workout, while others put an emphasis on meditation. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience | www.frontiersin.org van Aalst et al
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