NEUROENDOCRINE AND IMMUNE PATHWAYS LINKING YOGA TO GUT–BRAIN AXIS MODULATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DR. MAHENDRA K M MD (Clinical Yoga) Scholar
Guide: DR. SHIVAPRASAD SHETTY, Dean & Professor DR. PRASHANTH SHETTY, Principal,
SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences,
Ujire, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka – 574240
Mobile number: 9036869615, Email id: drmahishetty29@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional network linking the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, endocrine signalling, and gut microbiota. Imbalance in this network contributes to gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and stress-related psychological disorders. Yoga, a holistic mind–body practice combining physical postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation, modulates the GBA by enhancing vagal tone, regulating hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, reducing inflammation, and supporting emotional well-being. Emerging evidence suggests yoga also alters gut microbiome composition and function, adding a novel therapeutic dimension.
Yoga’s influence on the GBA occurs through five main pathways: autonomic regulation, HPA-axis modulation, immune-inflammatory control, microbiome interactions, and behavioural factors. This narrative review synthesizes current neuroendocrine, immune, and microbiome research elucidating yoga’s modulatory role, discusses clinical implications for functional gastrointestinal disorders, and outlines methodological challenges. Future research should prioritize rigorously designed randomized controlled trials incorporating standardized yoga protocols, biological outcome measures, active control comparators, and systematic adverse event monitoring. Establishing yoga as an evidence-based adjunctive therapy for GBA-related illnesses will require addressing these gaps. By integrating ancient yogic wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, yoga holds promise for holistic management of gut-brain disorders, improving both physical and psychological health.
Keywords: Yoga; Gut–brain axis; Vagus nerve; Microbiome; Irritable bowel syndrome; Inflammatory bowel disease.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2601S02V14P006
Download