Yoga as a Holistic Path to Health: Integrating Science and Philosophy
Drashti Bamaniya and Riddhi Joshi
Abstract
Yoga, as both a philosophy and a lifestyle, offers a holistic approach to health by integrating physical postures, breath control, mindfulness, and ethical living. This compilation of scientific and philosophical studies underscores yoga’s diverse therapeutic benefits across physical, mental, biochemical, and emotional dimensions. Research highlights yoga’s role in improving conditions such as hypertension, ulcerative colitis, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, PCOS, and cognitive decline, while also enhancing quality of life, emotional resilience, and stress tolerance. Additionally, the integration of yoga into educational and caregiving contexts promotes mental well-being and social connectedness. Philosophical explorations, particularly on dhyāna (meditation), deepen the understanding of yoga’s spiritual roots, emphasizing its transformative potential beyond physical health. Collectively, these findings advocate for the integration of yoga into public health, education, and lifestyle interventions for holistic human development.
Keyword:yoga, health , science , philosophy