A systematic review of yoga for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract Background Several studies have reviewed yoga for the treatment of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) with most demonstrating a benefit for symptom reduction; however, yoga has been studied beyond DGBI. Purpose The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive summary of yoga as treatment for gastrointestinal conditions. Method We conducted literature searches in PubMed and Embase and included yoga trials of adults with a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal disorders and diseases. Results We identified 1275 articles; 12 studies were eligible. Most studies compared yoga to controls, for patients with different GI conditions (irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal cancer). The type, method, and duration of yoga used varied. Across IBS studies, most demonstrated that yoga improved IBS symptom severity, mood‐related symptoms, and quality of life compared with controls. In one study of inflammatory bowel disease, yoga improved quality of life compared to controls. Two studies of gastrointestinal cancer demonstrated that yoga led to a reduction in sleep disturbance and mood symptoms. One study of chronic pancreatitis found that yoga led to improvements in quality of life, stress, mood changes, alcohol dependence, and appetite. Yoga was generally safe, and no serious adverse events were attributed to the intervention. Conclusion In conclusion, yoga appears to be safe and has potential to improve functioning across a spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases; however, current studies are limited by heterogeneity and methodological weaknesses. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of yoga on health outcomes for a broader range of gastrointestinal conditions.