Integrating Ayurvedic and Yoga Therapeutics into the Neurobiological Model of Fear and Anxiety: A Research Proposal

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a neurobiologically-informed integration of Ayurvedic therapeutics into the cognitive processing model of fear and anxiety described by Hofmann et al. (2012). Ayurveda offers holistic interventions including herbal medicine (Rasayana), yoga (Asana & Pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), and lifestyle modifications (Dinacharya) that may modulate key neural circuits implicated in hypervigilance (amygdala, insula) and avoidance (prefrontal cortex). We hypothesize that Ayurvedic interventions can enhance emotional regulation, reduce attentional biases, and promote neuroplasticity, potentially complementing conventional treatments like CBT. We outline specific research designs employing multimodal neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and behavioral measures to test these hypotheses. . Keywords: herbal medicine (Rasayana), yoga (Asana & Pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), lifestyle modifications (Dinacharya),Ayurveda & Yoga Therapautics