Yoga, described in the Charaka Samhita, has been used as a therapy since 1400 BC and has been popular in India ever since. Yoga as a therapy has gained its status in India and around the world after reports of the benefits of regular practice for reducing stress, regulating emotions, improving mood, overall well-being and cognitive function. The field of pranayama has been proven for respiratory and cognitive performance, while yoga asanas have an impact on physical flexibility, muscle strength, and neuromuscular performance.

In the field of public health, there has been a recent focus on research on yoga therapy for various conditions, including mental disorders . In the field of mental health, the focus is on research on depressive disorders and anxiety, with confirmed reports of its usefulness. Research also focuses on post-traumatic stress disorders and substance use disorders. Some studies of its usefulness have been conducted in attention deficit disorders, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. In some places, yoga therapy is used as an additional therapy. It also works as a preventative therapy when patients are at high risk of mental disorders