02
Aug
Slow breathing lengthens exhalation to improve HRV markers
A systematic look at paced-breathing trials and heart-rate variability outcomes.
Evidence-Based Practice
Where Ancient Practice Meets Modern Science
Science of Yoga distils decades of clinical and neuroscience research into clear, accessible guidance — so you can practice with intention, confidence, and evidence on your side.
50+
Published studies reviewed
10,000+
Practitioners supported
15
Years of research translation
What is the Science of Yoga?
A discipline measured by data, practised with care
For thousands of years, yoga has been described in the language of tradition. Today it is also described in the language of randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, and brain-imaging studies.
From measurable changes in heart-rate variability and cortisol to structural shifts in the brain's stress and attention networks, the evidence base for yoga keeps growing. We read the studies so you don't have to — and turn them into practices you can use.
More About Our Approach
Reviewed, not regurgitated
Every claim on this site is checked against the published literature and flagged with its source.
Mechanisms, explained
We look at how yoga works — breath, posture, attention, movement — not just whether it works.
Practice meets data
Scientific summaries connect to step-by-step practices you can try today.
Honest about limits
We report what the research does and doesn't show — nuance matters.
Research Highlights
What the latest studies are telling us
A snapshot of findings from our evidence library, with full citations in the Research section.
Stress
Yoga lowers cortisol reactivity
Regular practice is associated with a more measured cortisol response to stress and improved heart-rate variability.
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Brain
Thicker attention networks
Cross-sectional and longitudinal imaging studies link yoga practice with preserved grey matter in attention-related regions.
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Sleep
Better sleep quality
Meta-analyses show moderate improvements in sleep quality scores, especially among older adults and those with insomnia.
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Fitness
Strength you can feel
Systematic reviews find meaningful gains in lower-body strength, balance and flexibility from twice-weekly practice.
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Programs & Courses
Bring the evidence into your practice
8 weeks
Yoga for Stress Reset
An 8-week, science-informed program combining breathwork, restorative postures and nervous-system education.
Explore program →
12 weeks
Strength & Mobility Series
Progressive strength, balance and flexibility work grounded in the sports-science literature on yoga.
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Live + on-demand
Better Sleep Yoga
Evening sequences and breathing practices matched to the sleep research — wind down the way the evidence suggests.
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Testimonials
Practitioners on the science-informed approach
Latest from the Lab
Browse all research
Recent research, in plain language
27
Jul
Evening yoga sequences and sleep-onset latency
What three recent trials found about pre-bedtime practice and falling asleep faster.
18
Jul
A closer look at cortisol recovery after yin practice
Comparing cortisol trajectories across passive and active recovery sessions.
Upcoming Events
Practise with us
-
Workshop
Breathwork Lab: The Science of the Breath
Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00–12:30 · Studio + Online
Details & booking → -
Course
Yoga & Sleep Intensive (4 evenings)
Mon, Oct 5 – Oct 26 · 19:00 Online
Enrol now → -
Community
Research Reading Circle — quarterly
Thu, Nov 12 · 18:30 · Library Studio
See all events →