Role of yoga in hormonal homeostasis

Abstract

There is dearth of randomized controlled trials and studies and lack of information about the duration of therapy, side-effects, contraindications, compliance and long-term effects of yoga practice for most of the endocrine disorders. In this review, we have discussed the effect of yoga on plasma levels of hormones and neurotransmitters. The analysis and interpretation of this data can be useful to encourage research and therapeutic trials in many endocrine disorders. The mechanisms contributing to the therapeutic benefits of yoga include stress reduction, alteration of hypothalamopituitary adrenal axis, balancing the autonomic nervous system and immune modulation. This review includes the studies that describe the changes in the neurotransmitter and hormonal levels by yogic interventions to achieve improvements in the metabolic profile of yoga practitioner.