Yoga for Special and Vulnerable Populations

Abstract Yoga is increasingly acknowledged as an integrative health science that supports physical, psychological, and social well‑being. Special and vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, children with special needs, persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic illnesses, and socially marginalized groups often experience complex health challenges that are not fully addressed by conventional medical systems alone. The present research paper critically reviews the role of yoga as a supportive, preventive, and rehabilitative intervention for these populations. Adopting a qualitative, literature‑based research methodology, the study synthesizes findings from peer‑reviewed journals, academic texts, and policy documents to examine the multidimensional benefits of yoga, its adaptability, and its ethical application. The analysis reveals that yoga, when appropriately modified and supervised by trained professionals, contributes to improved functional capacity, emotional stability, stress regulation, and quality of life. The paper concludes that yoga has strong potential for integration into public health and rehabilitation frameworks, while emphasizing the need for standardized protocols and further empirical research.