Yoga as an Adjunct Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review of Psycho-Neuro-Immune Interactions in the Indian Context

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the joints and systemic health. In India and worldwide, the incidence of RA is increasing. The traditional treatments are NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs, but rceebtly there have been some non-pharmacological approaches such as yoga that have also been found to be beneficial. Objectives – To assess the therapeutic outcomes of yoga on RA based on its effect on inflammation, psychological stress, and psycho-neuro-immune modulation. Methods – This narrative review integrates evidence from eight prominent papers on RA and yoga. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using English-language articles from 2000 to 2024. Studies exploring biological, psychosocial, and clinical outcomes of yoga in RA patients were included. Results – Yoga enhances joint flexibility, immune status, and decreases inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α), stress hormones (cortisol), and improves quality of life. Molecular markers such as BDNF, TGF-β, and HLA-G also alter in a positive direction with yoga. Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain scores were observed. Conclusion – Yoga is a cost-effective, non-pharmacological, and an effective adjunct that can significantly enhance RA outcomes through psycho-neuro-immune mechanisms. Further long-term, deeply analysing research is indicated.