Systematic Review of the Lived Experiences of Women Participating in Therapeutic Yoga

Abstract No study has synthesized qualitative insights related to yoga across various women's health concerns, including breast and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, menopause, and pregnancy, despite numerous individual studies. The present review therefore sought to synthesize qualitative research on yoga, exploring participants’ perceived psychological and physical effects and motivators for engagement in a therapeutic setting. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for qualitative and mixed-methods (extracted qualitative only) designs. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and quality assessment followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for qualitative systematic reviews. Synthesis involved a phenomenological approach through thematic synthesis and meta-aggregation. Of 1,896 identified studies, 12 were included in the systematic review. Women aged 22–84 participated in various in-person yoga interventions spanning community yoga studios, community health centers, hospitals, and antenatal clinics, with data mainly collected through interviews, questionnaires, and surveys. Meta-aggregation yielded five secondary subthemes on participants’ perceptions: (1) Fostering Community, Relationships, and Safe Spaces; (2) Emotional Balance, Self-Discovery, and Lifelong Learning; (3) Pain Relief and Physical Wellness; (4) Easing Stress and Anxiety Through Mindful Practice; and (5) The Journey to Confidence and Empowerment. We identified two secondary subthemes for motivations for engagement in yoga practice: (1) Desire to Heal Mentally and Physically; and (2) A Sense of Commitment and Community. Yoga positively affected mental and physical well-being, with participation motivators suggesting its potential as a complementary practice in women's health and life transitions.