Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies on Yoga Experience as Psychotherapy

Today, yoga has become a popular supplement treatment. One of the important aspects of research in this field is the study of qualitative studies in the experience of yoga as a treatment. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying and examining the factors and criteria for experiencing yoga as psychotherapeutic interventions, with regular review of existing research in this field. For this purpose, the databases of Science Direct, psyInfo, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, Civilica, Magiran, SID and Noormags were searched. After extracting disproportionate articles for research purposes, a complete review of the remaining 13 articles was performed. The results led to the extraction of eleven categories and three main categories. The factors that reduce suffering include the criteria for silencing the mind, emotional stability and physical health, and acceptance; The factor of self as a factor of change, including the criteria of connectivity, empowerment, compassionate awareness, understanding a holistic approach and flexible attention; And the treatment factor as a process, including the two criteria of barriers to practicing yoga and overcoming barriers. Finally, the results indicate the acceptance and possibility of using yoga as supplementary treatment for people suffering from common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.