EFFECTS OF THE EASTERN MIND-BODY PRACTICES ON MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: WHEN EAST MEETS WEST

Abstract

The aim: The paper aims at reviewing the recent studies on the impact of the Eastern mind-body practices on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The recent studies (2020 – 2021) on the Eastern mind-body practices in combating the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar. Research papers were found by using the keywords “mental health”, “psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic”, “Eastern mind-body practices”, “meditation”, “mindfulness”, “yoga”, “tai chi”, “qigong”. A total of 27 selected publications were analyzed based on our criteria. Given the relatively small number of relevant articles in recent years, we also examined papers published before 2020. Along with the aforementioned, the authors used integrative anthropological approach and interpretive research paradigm. Conclusions: The Eastern mind-body practices are becoming increasingly popular, especially now when the outbreak of COVID-19 has created mental health concerns among the general population worldwide. They may prove an effective preventive or therapeutical intervention for mental health issues during and after the pandemic. However, the underlying mechanisms of these techniques are still insufficiently studied. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a well-planned study and interpret it from multiply perspectives involving an interdisciplinary team of specialists.