Yoga for Mental Health: A Theoretical Synthesis of Embodiment, Neuroplasticity, and Integrative Resilience in Contemporary Psychological Models

This theoretical paper constructs a multidimensional model—the Embodied Neuroplastic Resilience Model (ENRM)—to explain how yoga influences mental health via embodied awareness, neuroplastic adaptation, and resilience cultivation. Drawing upon peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2025 across embodiment theory, Polyvagal Theory, neurovisceral integration, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma psychology, this model synthesizes three primary pathways: (1) embodiment-interoception, (2) neuroplastic-autonomic regulation, and (3) mindfulness-resilience. It proposes that yoga operates simultaneously through these dimensions to enhance emotion regulation, psychological flexibility, and integrative well-being. This paper aims to bridge conceptual gaps, offering a coherent framework for scholars, clinicians, and yoga educators, and lays the groundwork for future empirical validation.

Yoga, embodiment, neuroplasticity, mindfulness

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