“Yoga is a light which once lit never dim, the better your practice the brighter
your flame” -B.K.S. Iyengar.
“To Awaken, sit calmly, letting each breath clear mind and open your
heart”-Buddha
In an era marked by increasing psychological stress and lifestyle-related
disorders, holistic approaches rooted in ancient traditions have gained renewed
relevance. Yoga & Meditation is an ancient practice since evolution. The practice of
Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of civilizations. Yoga traces its
origins to early Indian philosophical systems and texts such as the Vedas and Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali. The core concept of Yoga is union, derived from the Sanskrit
word "yuj," meaning to join or yoke the union of mind, body, and spirit. Meditation
is a mind-body practice involving focused attention to cultivate a relaxed, alert state
of mind, leading to inner peace and psychological balance. Likewise, Indigenous
healing practices across cultures have historically relied on nature-based therapies,
rituals, and community-centered healing to maintain balance and well-being. The
objective of the study aims to explore the historical origins and philosophical
foundations of yoga, meditation, and indigenous practices and assess their
effectiveness in reducing stress and enhancing well-being also examine their
relevance and integration in modern stress management practices. Methodology
used is qualitative research based on secondary data sources. Findings of the paper
is yoga and meditation contribute to stress reduction by promoting relaxation,
improving concentration, and regulating emotional responses and physiological
benefits include reduced heart rate, improved breathing patterns, and decreased
stress hormone levels. Indigenous practices balance these effects by strengthening
social bonds, and reinforcing cultural identity, and encouraging harmony with
nature, which enhances resilience and emotional stability.
Yoga, Mediation, Indigenous practices, Emotional and Mental well-being, Stress management