The Union Ministry of Ayush has rolled out a new clinical framework to integrate yoga into preventive healthcare, targeting non-communicable diseases and vulnerable population groups as India faces a growing burden of lifestyle disorders.
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The framework, titled “Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups”, was launched earlier this month during Yoga Mahotsav 2026 by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav.
The initiative is being positioned as a timely response to India’s rising burden of lifestyle diseases. The protocols have been developed by the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine (Yoga) (WHOCCIND 118) at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush.
Designed as structured and evidence-based modules, the framework aims to integrate yogic practices into daily routines in a way that is simple, scalable, and accessible across populations.
India today faces an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health disorders. According to government data from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s 2017 report ‘India: Health of the Nation’s States,’ the proportion of deaths due to NCDs increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016. The four major NCDs - cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, share common behavioural risk factors including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco and alcohol use.
Considering this growing burden, it is important to understand how yoga can contribute to better health.
What’s in the protocol?
Built on scientific evidence and clinical insights, the yoga protocols prescribe structured daily sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. These sessions combine asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and relaxation practices, creating a comprehensive routine that addresses both physical and mental health.
The approach is gradual and adaptable, allowing individuals with varying levels of fitness, age groups, and medical conditions to participate safely. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the protocols emphasise flexibility and personalisation.
Highlighting the preventive potential of yoga, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said, “Through these evidence-based protocols, we are empowering every citizen to take charge of their own health and well-being in a simple, accessible, and sustainable manner. By integrating yoga into daily life, we aim to shift the focus from illness to wellness, reducing long-term healthcare pressures.”
He further added, “This initiative reflects our commitment to building a healthier nation through holistic, preventive, and people-centric approaches rooted in India's rich traditional knowledge.”
What sets the initiative apart is its targeted design. Specific modules have been curated for major health conditions. For instance, yoga practices for diabetes focus on improving metabolic balance and glycaemic control. For hypertension, the emphasis is on calming the nervous system and regulating blood pressure, while for bronchial asthma, the practices aim to strengthen respiratory capacity and improve lung function.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, underscored the scientific grounding of the initiative, stating that “the protocols are rooted in evidence and have been carefully developed to align traditional knowledge with modern clinical understanding.”
The protocols also cater to different life stages and population groups. From playful yoga modules designed for children to mental health-focused practices for adolescents, and mobility-enhancing routines for the elderly, the initiative seeks to embed yoga across the life cycle. It also includes specialised guidelines for women, including pregnant mothers, highlighting yoga’s potential as a lifelong health companion.
Does yoga improve health? Here’s what research shows
A growing body of research suggests that yoga can have measurable benefits across both physical and mental health outcomes, though the strength of evidence varies across conditions.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 64 randomised controlled trials involving over 16,000 participants found that yoga had a modest but consistent positive impact on several key indicators.
The study reported improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with reductions of -4.56 mm Hg and -3.39 mm Hg respectively. It also found improvements in body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipid profiles, including a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The authors concluded that “yoga has a modest yet positive effect on blood pressure, BMI, lipid profile and HbA1c and, therefore, may play an ancillary role in primary prevention of CVD.”
Another 2023 study comparing yoga practitioners with Pilates participants explored the psychological and behavioural dimensions of such practices. The findings suggested that while yoga was associated with increased religious and spiritual well-being, it did not show a direct link with psychological well-being or distress levels. Interestingly, the study highlighted that the degree of involvement or engagement in the practice played a key role. It concluded that “involvement in a certain relaxation practice has a positive impact and might be a key component in understanding Yoga’s influence on mental health.”
Further strengthening the evidence base, a 2025 review of 51 systematic reviews, including 34 meta-analyses and over 28,000 participants, examined yoga’s effectiveness in chronic disease outcomes. The analysis found that yoga interventions had strong effects on depression, blood pressure, blood glucose control, and fatigue management.
At the same time, the review pointed out limitations, noting weaker evidence for conditions such as pain management and arthritis. The authors concluded that while yoga can contribute to improvements in conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and depression, its benefits may not extend equally to all chronic physical disorders.
Expert insights: Is yoga enough?
Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and Weight Loss Expert at Zandra Healthcare, said, “I would say that this step is ancient wisdom meets modern physiology, and yoga protocols are helpful, but they do not produce similar results in every patient,” adding that yoga is best viewed as “an adjunct in the management of lifestyle disorders.”
He cautioned against positioning yoga as a substitute for medical treatment. “It should not be presented as a replacement for oral anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, or statins. It should not be that if I do yoga, I may not need to take my medicines,” he noted.
At the same time, Dr Kovil highlighted that yoga addresses several underlying drivers of non-communicable diseases, including inactivity, stress, poor sleep, and excess weight. He pointed out that yoga, as a structured behavioural discipline, often encourages broader lifestyle changes.
“People who practise yoga regularly tend to sleep better, eat more mindfully, stay physically active, and feel more in control. There is a lot of mindfulness that comes into people, and they seem to be more at peace,” he said, adding that these observations are based on his clinical experience.
He also acknowledged that while patients often report improvements in factors such as breathing, flexibility, stress levels, and daily routines, the scientific evidence is still evolving. “From a research perspective, the evidence is there, but it is not very robust. There have been meta-analyses and reviews, but nothing very definitive,” he said.
Dr Kovil noted that yoga may help reduce risk factors but does not guarantee prevention. “There is risk reduction, but no guaranteed prevention. We do not have evidence to say that practising yoga will completely prevent diseases like cancer,” he said.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
