The Potential Impact of Yoga Practices on Extraordinary Human Abilities: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review aims to scrutinize credible research on yoga and meditation practices, examining claims of extraordinary human abilities, and evaluating the potential for extraordinary outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to investigate the impact of yoga and meditation on extraordinary human abilities. The review, covering 1970-2023, systematically searched for relevant literature, selected 28 studies, and analyzed their content. The findings were categorized into themes such as demographic characteristics, yoga and meditation practices, extraordinary human activities, and key outcomes observed. The study adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist recommendations and was conducted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. This scoping review of 28 articles on yoga and meditation revealed three main themes: the effect on the physical body, the impact on the mind and spirituality, and the manifestation of parapsychological phenomena. The theme of the physical body included sub-themes such as tolerance, molecular changes, performance enhancement, and extended periods of suspended breathing. The theme of the mind and spirituality included sub-themes like increased awareness, improved memory, experiencing timelessness, and unusual experiences. The theme of parapsychological phenomena included sub-themes of levitation and mystical powers. The studies were conducted in India and the USA, covering a wide range of topics. Yoga and meditation are believed to possess extraordinary powers, intellectual capabilities, and mental control. These practices are integral to yogic practice, enhancing extraordinary human abilities, sensory awareness, and mental control. Studies also reveal their effects on molecular biology, brain function, muscle relaxation, cardiac health, glutathione production, oxidative stress management, gene expression, and exercise tolerance.