Mind-Body Connection in Digestive Health: Reviewing the Yogic Impact of Asana and Pranayama

Digestive health is strongly shaped by the mind–body connection, with stress, diet, and lifestyle influencing gastrointestinal (GI) function and disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic constipation. Conventional pharmacological treatments often target symptoms but do not address underlying psycho-physiological factors, which has led to growing interest in integrative approaches like yoga. This review examines evidence on the role of asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) in promoting digestive health. Findings suggest that asanas such as twists, forward bends, and inversions mechanically stimulate abdominal organs, improve circulation, and enhance motility, thereby alleviating constipation, bloating, and sluggish digestion. Pranayama practices including diaphragmatic breathing, Kapalabhati, and Anulom-Vilom regulate the autonomic nervous system, increase vagal tone, and reduce stress-induced disturbances, addressing the gut–brain axis more holistically. Clinical and experimental studies report improvements in IBS, GERD, and functional constipation, with benefits extending to stress reduction, heart rate variability, and cortisol balance. Overall, yoga offers a low-cost, accessible, and non-pharmacological supplement to digestive healthcare by integrating physical, neurological, and psychological regulation. However, gaps remain in standardized protocols, large-scale trials, and microbiome-focused studies, highlighting the need for further research to establish yoga as a mainstream therapeutic strategy.