Abstract

Non-pharmacological therapies play a crucial role in managing non-communicable diseases, providing alternatives to conventional medical treatments. Non-pharmacological therapies include Yoga, which combines physical postures, breath control and meditation to promote both physical and mental wellbeing. However, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of yoga, particularly its influence on Self-Referential Processing (SRP), remain poorly understood. SRP is fundamental for self-awareness, emotional regulation and decision-making, with key brain regions including the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus. Yoga practice has been linked to structural changes in these areas, including enhanced gray matter volume and improved connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN), both of which are important for SRP. These neuroplastic effects, including increased cortical thickness and neurogenesis, suggest that yoga fosters cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. Functional neuroimaging studies show altered DMN connectivity in yoga practitioners, indicating improved modulation of self-referential thoughts and reduced rumination, which is commonly seen in mood disorders. However, direct research on yoga’s impact on SRP through neuroimaging is limited. This study aims to investigate the neural mechanisms through which Yoga practice influences SRP, potentially offering insights for therapeutic interventions targeting cognitive distortions related to mental health conditions. We also highlight peripheral biomarkers that warrant investigation to link contemplative practices with neuroprotective mechanisms and to inform future translational studies.

Keywords:Yoga; Self-referential processing; Neurocognitive mechanisms; Default mode network; Emotional regulation