Yoga is increasingly being studied as a mind-body approach to mental health. Systematic reviews and clinical trials have reported beneficial effects across areas including depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress and psychological wellbeing, although the strength and certainty of evidence varies across conditions, populations and forms of yoga.
 

Research has also examined yoga in the context of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials found significant improvements in self-reported PTSD symptoms and both immediate and longer-term depressive symptoms associated with yoga interventions. The authors concluded that yoga may be a useful complementary intervention, while also highlighting the need for further rigorous research.

Kundalini Yoga has been investigated specifically in relation to psychological health. A preliminary randomised controlled trial involving 80 people experiencing PTSD symptoms reported greater improvements among yoga participants across measures including sleep, positive affect, perceived stress, anxiety, stress and resilience. In a separate randomised clinical trial of 226 adults with generalised anxiety disorder, Kundalini Yoga produced a higher treatment response than stress education. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) produced the strongest response, supporting its continued role as a first-line treatment while demonstrating the potential complementary value of Kundalini Yoga.

This research sits within a wider understanding of trauma as an experience that can involve not only thoughts and emotions, but physiological, sensory and bodily responses. Work within trauma psychology and body-oriented psychotherapy has contributed to increasing interest in the relationship between mind, body, movement and regulation. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies found that body- and movement-oriented interventions were associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms, alongside improvements in depressive symptoms and sleep, while also noting substantial variation between studies and the need for higher-quality research.

At Lotus in Bloom, this developing evidence base informs our trauma-informed approach to mental wellbeing, including the considered use of movement, breathwork, relaxation and body-based practices within appropriate professional boundaries and alongside established psychological and healthcare support where required.