Role of Yoga in Improving Mental Well-Being in Victims of Ethnic Clashes in Manipur, India

Abstract

Starting May 3, 2023, violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, between two tribes, the Meiteis and the Kukis, killing more than 150 people and internally displacing more than 60,000 people. This ongoing conflict has caused many deaths, the destruction of public and private property, and the sexual assault of women and young girls, leaving an indelible mark on their psyche. There is a need to assuage the impact of the atrocities and the resulting mental trauma on the affected people. Mind–body medicine techniques such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation are beneficial as complementary therapies for stress reduction and stress-induced conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yoga is a traditional system of practice whose components include postures, breath regulation, ethical concepts, dietary regulation, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Several studies in the extant literature corroborate the beneficial effect of yoga on conditions such as PTSD, which is found in victims affected by conflict and violence. The article posits that yoga can be a valuable and effective complementary therapy for those affected by the ongoing strife in Manipur. As yoga is effective in people with PTSD and people affected adversely by conflict in many regions of the world, the author concludes that the practice of yoga will improve the resilience, reduce stress, and remove associated mental problems such as anxiety and depression of victims of ethnic conflict.