Yoga & the Science of Mind-Body-Immune Connection

Over the last two decades, scientists have been steadily exploring how yoga can influence not just how we feel, but how our nervous system, immune system, and emotional health work together. This field—called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)—looks at the powerful ways our thoughts and emotions can affect our biology. A recent review gathered over 2,000 studies from around the globe to map where this research is happening, which topics are getting the most attention, and where there’s still room to learn more. The findings highlight growing international interest, with collaborations spanning continents, though the authors point out that India, with its deep yoga heritage, could play an even bigger role in leading future studies.

For yoga teachers, this isn’t just academic—it’s a bridge between what we witness in the studio and what’s being validated in laboratories. Research shows yoga can help regulate stress responses, support immune health, and enhance emotional balance, aligning perfectly with what we see in students who practice regularly. It reinforces that when we guide mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation, we’re not only helping people stretch and strengthen—we’re inviting profound shifts in how their bodies and minds respond to life’s challenges. Knowing this science can deepen the way we speak about yoga’s benefits and inspire even more thoughtful, intentional teaching.

Read the article abstract here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40584272/