The research shows that yogic practices induce brain changes resulting in greater activation in left than right prefrontal cortex (Davidson et al., 2003). Some studies have demonstrated that yoga based exercises are responsible for formation of neuropathways (Kreiman, Koch, & Fried, 2000).

In their study, Lazar et al. (2005) and Lazar (2006) have found that yogic practices affect resonance circuitry which increases thickness in medial prefrontal cortex and insula, especially right side resulting in empathy, interoception and attunement to self and others, logical and intuitive processing (Kreiman, Koch & Fried, 2000).

These practices also lead to decreased vulnerability to stress in healthy exercising adults (Baldwin, 1999). In their study on 113 psychiatric patients, Lavey et al. (2005) have found that yogic practices help regulate mood. In another study, these practices have been found to benefit emotionally distressed women (Michaelson et al., 2005).