Yoga: understanding its neural mechanisms and clinical applications in brain health

Yoga, an ancient practice encompassing physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ethical principles, has long been revered for its profound impact on physical and mental well-being. In the modern scientific era, there is an increasing interest in elucidating the neurobiological substrates underlying these benefits, particularly their role in promoting and preserving brain health. Accumulating evidence suggests that regular yoga practice can significantly modulate brain structure and function, leading to enhancements in mood, cognitive performance, and overall resilience against neurological and psychiatric challenges.

This Research Topic aims to provide a platform for original research and reviews on yoga and brain health, including its neural mechanisms, effects on cognitive and emotional processes, and clinical applications.

We invite high-quality manuscripts that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

1. Neural mechanisms underlying the effects of yoga on the brain.

2. Cognitive benefits of yoga for brain health.

3. Clinical applications of yoga for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

4. How Yoga contributes to healthy aging.

5. Neuroimaging studies of the effects of yoga on brain structure and function.

We welcome manuscripts that use a variety of methodologies, particularly those that combine neuroscience and clinical approaches, to advance our understanding of the role of yoga in brain health. Articles that explore the biological, psychological, and social factors that may influence the effects of yoga on brain function and mental health are particularly encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: yoga, cognitive function, neuroimaging, healthy aging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.