GAD is a common disorder associated with significant distress and interference. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to the most effective form of psychotherapy, few patients receive or have access to this intervention. Yoga therapy offers another promising, yet under-researched, intervention that is gaining increasing popularity in the general public, as an anxiety reduction intervention.
Kundalini yoga is a well-known, accessible yoga practice that includes physical postures and exercises, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and meditation practices. Yoga entails the cultivation of physical and psychological health through a variety of techniques including physical posture exercises, breathing exercises, relaxation strategies, and meditation practice. As mindfulness based interventions comprise several of these components, we hypothesize that increases in mindfulness will function as a core treatment mechanism in yoga.
Reference:
Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., Khalsa, S. B., Hoge, E., Rosenfield, D., Bui, E., . . . Simon, N. (2015). Yoga for generalized anxiety disorder: Design of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials,44, 70-76. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2015.08.003