Effectiveness of Yoga-A Mind-Body Intervention for Pain and Stress Associated with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Narrative Review

Abstract: Primary dysmenorrhea, characterized by menstrual pain and associated stress, significantly impacts the quality of life for many women. Yoga, as a holistic mind-body practice, has emerged as a promising complementary approach for managing primary dysmenorrhea. This review consolidates evidence-based insights from key studies, highlighting the therapeutic potential of yoga in alleviating both physical and psychological symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. It explores the three core components of yoga-Physical Postures (Asanas), Meditation (Dhyana), and Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)-and examines their positive effects at cellular and systemic levels. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on the general benefits of yoga modules, this narrative review uniquely emphasizes the underlying mechanisms through which yoga practices reduce pain and relieve stress. The evidence indicates that regular yoga practices can reduce pain, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being in affected women. While existing studies present some limitations, they collectively support the role of yoga as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for primary dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to establish the optimal duration, frequency, and specific yoga practices required for maximum therapeutic benefits. keywords: Asanas, Menstrual pain, Mind-body intervention, Pranayama, Primary dysmenorrhea, Yoga, Narrative review.