Twenty-Three Studies Agree

A 2017 systematic review examined 23 yoga interventions published between 2011 and 2016 aimed at improving depressive symptoms. The majority used randomized control trial designs. Intervention durations varied, with most lasting six weeks or longer. Sample sizes ranged from 14 to 136 participants.

Despite limitations in sample sizes, the review concluded that yoga interventions were effective in reducing depression. The consistency across multiple studies, designs, and populations strengthens the finding. This was not one lucky result. It was a pattern across 23 separate investigations.

The evidence has accumulated. Yoga reduces depressive symptoms across a wide range of study designs and populations.

Source: Yoga Research: Mental Health & Trauma on ashtanga.tech. Original research.