JOURNAL ARTICLE

'Whatever happens, I am okay': A qualitative study exploring yoga practitioners' experiences with integrative medicine.

  • Published In: Journal of Health Psychology, 2026, v. 31, n. 6. P. 2429 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Horikoshi, Kaori; Oka, Michiyo 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on exploring the experiences of long-term yoga therapy practitioners with integrative medicine (IM), which combines conventional medicine (CM) and complementary therapies (CTs) such as yoga. Through qualitative interviews with 15 certified yoga therapists, two main themes emerged: CM is primarily used to address acute physical symptoms and protect life, while yoga enhances psychological, social, and spiritual well-being, thereby "enhancing the power to live." Participants reported using CM and yoga differently based on individual health needs, with yoga promoting self-care and proactive health behaviors. The study highlights the complementary roles of CM and yoga within IM and suggests that understanding user experiences can support more patient-centered integrative healthcare.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Health Psychology. 2026/05, Vol. 31, Issue 6, p2429
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1359-1053
  • DOI:10.1177/13591053251361715
  • Accession Number:192936979
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Health Psychology is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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