Avant Psychiatry Blog

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that links the body and mind to promote relaxation and exercise, (Wu et al., 2025). The popularity of yoga has expanded across the US over the past 20 years, and especially after COVID-19. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) in 2022, 16.9% of U.S. adults practiced yoga, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Though Yoga is deemed primarily as a form of exercise for some, yoga practice can also be used to maintain psychological well-being and as an intervention for psychological disorders, (Khalsa, 2013).

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety and stress have become common companions for many. The constant demands of work, family, and societal expectations can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. Anxiety and stress are among the most prevalent mental health concerns globally, affecting millions of individuals across age groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), anxiety disorders affect more than 300 million people worldwide. While conventional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological interventions are effective, complementary practices like yoga have gained recognition as accessible and evidence-based strategies for stress regulation. While modern medicine offers many ways to manage stress, one of the most accessible and powerful tools lies in the ancient practice of yoga. Among yoga practices, breathing techniques (pranayama) stand out as powerful tools for modulating the autonomic nervous system, improving emotional regulation, and reducing physiological symptoms of stress.