Impact of yoga therapy in intestinal disorders

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC) are rising in prevalence worldwide. Despite medical advances, many patients experience persistent symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL), highlighting the need for integrative, non-pharmacological approaches. AREAS COVERED: This review explores the physiological and clinical impact of yoga therapy in intestinal disorders, examining its effects on neural, intestinal, and microbial pathways. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed for studies published from database inception to August 2025, to identify relevant clinical trials and meta-analyses across IBS, IBD, and CRC. Evidence suggests yoga improves symptom control, stress resilience, QoL, and may exert anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects. EXPERT OPINION: Yoga therapy presents a low-risk, potentially cost-effective adjunct to conventional care, with applicability across diverse gastrointestinal conditions. Future integration into clinical practice will depend on overcoming barriers such as protocol variability, lack of clinician awareness, and limited reimbursement. Advancements in biomarker research, digital therapeutics, and personalized treatment models will shape the field. In the next decades, yoga therapy may become a standard, personalized component of integrative care in gastroenterology.