Yoga and Other Alternative Therapies for Patients with Mental Disorders

Summary: This article traces the history of yoga and other complementary and alternative medicine treatments in the management of mental disorders, and reasons for their sustained popularity. It then describes current yogic practices including the various disciplines that are in use today, highlighting similarities and differences in their emphasis on body positioning, breath control, spiritual practice and cognitive elements. Aspects of meditation, mantra, transcendental meditation, preksha dhyana, vipassana, pranayam and sudarshan kriya are also surveyed. The evidence base and role of these techniques in depression are also introduced.

Authors: Shiv Gautam, Akhilesh Jain, Arun V. Marwale, Anita Gautam

Year of Publication: January-2020