Yoga for Psychosomatic Diseases: An Effective Approach 

Smt Meetal Koticha Shah
Joint Executive Trustee & CEO – Project
‘Life’ & Senior Vice-Chairperson, Gujarat
State Chapter, IYA

In current competitive and multi-role co-existence, psychosomatic conditions & diseases have become progressively prevalent affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s a matter of concern that needs serious attention.

Intense psychological and emotional strain consequent to modern lifestyle, demanding work environment, social pressures, financial worries, stressful interpersonal relationships and constant need to outperform in all spheres all the time lead to heightened state of mental trauma which often manifests as physical ailments.

Unlike purely psychological or physiological disorders, psychosomatic diseases straddle both realms of human existence, signifying the entwined connection between mind and body.

Psychosomatic diseases arise due to mental or emotional stressors rather than direct physical causes. Such conditions manifest when stress or anxiety triggers physiological responses in the body, leading to real, sometimes severe symptoms of physical ailments.

The biological science aptly describes the intertwined processes for human physiological responses to psychological origins which cause physical disease symptoms:

Stress Response: The body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to face a threat (the “fight or flight” response). While this response is useful in acute situations, chronic stress keeps the body in a heightened state of alert, which can wear down various systems.

Neurological Pathways: Chronic stress or emotional distress can affect the brain’s neural pathways. Over time, these changes can alter pain perception and other bodily functions.

Immunological Impact: Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases and can also trigger inflammatory responses that contribute to various conditions.

Behavioural Factors: Stress and anxiety can lead to behavioural patterns like improper eating habits, lack of exercise, or substance abuse, which negatively affect physical health, and in turn contribute to physical ailments like insomnia and aggression.

Common psychosomatic disorders include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Digestive issues causing abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Tension Headaches and Migraines: Muscle tension, particularly in the head and neck, resulting in headaches or migraines.

Hypertension: Sustained hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Chronic Pain: Muscle tension and inflammation, contributing to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Skin Disorders: Conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Yoga, the ancient holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, offers an inclusive solution to managing and preventing psychosomatic diseases.

Regular Practice: Consistency in yoga is key to reaping its benefits. Regular engagement, even for short durations can help maintain mental and physical health and improve emotional well-being. Techniques such as Asanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation help in calming the mind and reducing stress levels.

Holistic Approach: Yoga promotes balance and positivity in all aspects of life through its inclusive practice rendering mental and spiritual well-being and ethical living. Practices such as Yamas (ethical disciplines) and Niyamas (personal observances) lead to balanced and stress-free life.

Emotional Regulation: Yoga helps to recognize and regulate emotional state, preventing build-up of stress that often triggers psychosomatic symptoms. Techniques like Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Nidra (a guided meditation practice) are particularly effective in enhancing emotional stability and reducing anxiety.

Community and Support: Practicing yoga in a social setting provides a sense of community fellowship and support reducing sense of isolation and fostering sense of belonging which is beneficial for mental health and stress reduction.

While psychosomatic diseases, which blur the line between mind and body, exhibit the complex interconnectedness of our mental and physical states, incorporating Yoga in life offers a comprehensive solution to managing and preventing these disorders. It not only addresses the symptoms but also helps tackle the underlying psychological roots of psychosomatic diseases, promoting a balanced, healthy, and harmonious life.

Embracing Yoga is empowering human existence with greater resilience and vigour.