TOWARDS A HOLISTIC APPROACH OF YOGA: INTEGRATING NEUROSCIENCE, EPIGENETICS AND CULTURAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY OF YOGA

Abstract

Yoga, beyond the dimensions of body and spirit, serves as an engaging model to optimize neuropsychological processes and skills in life. This chapter draws on new concepts by relating the neurobiology of conventional yoga to innovative research on neurosciences, epigenetics, and personalized mental health. The effects of yoga on neuroplasticity and executive functioning will be discussed with regard to potential innovative approaches in relating its transferable skills to cultural neuropsychology and personal application. Emerging research indicates that stress reduction caused by yoga can affect gene expression related to neuroplasticity and brain health, providing an interesting overlap with epigenetics (Abel and Rissman, 2013; Bisht et al., 2020; Giridharan, 2023). Moreover, AI-based neuroimaging is providing unprecedented information on how yoga activates specific neural circuits associated with emotional regulation and attention (Shafir, 2015; Bottaccioli, 2019; Tolahunase et al., 2018). The third section discusses how skills acquired in yoga, like focus, resilience, and emotional intelligence, translate to professional performance and social interaction (Ross, 2014; Folleto et al., 2016). This goes to show that yoga can bridge neurocognitive adaptation with everyday life challenges. Cultural neuropsychology of yoga, in which diverse interpretations of yoga practices in the West and in traditional settings can lead to varying neuropsychological and life skill outcomes. Lastly, it points out the possibility of individualized yoga protocols that utilize neuroimaging and cognitive profiling to fine-tune specific skills and mental health outcomes (Kaur and Bhat, 2019; Mala and Pushpa, 2022). By integrating these interdisciplinary insights, this exploration positions yoga not only as a tool for holistic well-being but also as a transformative model for addressing contemporary neuropsychological and life skill demands.