Author(s): Sreelekha Devulapalli, Bhavna Detha
Abstract:
It should be noted that stress is one of the main causes of adverse changes in the health state of women both emotionally and physically. The dynamics of the social environment, growing work load, role of caregivers and other factors are associated with increased stress levels and influence the mental state, cognitive functions and the quality of life of women. Besides pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, holistic and sustainable approaches to treatment such as yoga are becoming increasingly popular among researchers due to the positive scientific results received. In the current paper, the integrated theoretical approach that explains how yoga helps women to reduce stress is provided using several psychological theories along with physiological data and mathematical models. The fundamental theories such as the General Adaptation Syndrome suggested by Selye, the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping developed by Lazarus and Folkman, Self-Efficacy Theory of Bandura, Mindfulness Theory and the Biopsychosocial Model were used to create an integrated conceptual approach. Mathematical models for stress dynamics and intervention effectiveness were developed to complete the theoretical study. According to the integrated theory, there are several interrelated mechanisms by which yoga reduces stress among women. Practice of asanas, pranayamas, meditation and relaxation increases mindfulness and self-efficacy, improves emotional regulation and adaptation skills. Yoga helps to reach autonomic balance through lowering of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation, decrease in cortisol secretion, increase in heart rate variability and parasympathetic activity.
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