There have been thousands of research studies into the effects of yoga over the past few decades and it is an area that is continuing to grow. More than half of the research originates in India, naturally, but the lion's share of it always have positive results. This is a potential problem which needs further study.
Scientific research studies are often very difficult to read especially for the layman with no training in either the scientific method or statistics. That is a hindrance, but it is not an obstacle barring you from reviewing and understanding the essence of research articles. In this blog-lecture I define different types of knowing, the research process, the structure of a typical scientific journal article and how to read it, and then a bunch of warnings about "psycho-babble" or unsubstantiated and invalid knowledge.
Aphorisms are little pearls of wisdom which we may collect over the years as part of our growth and experience. The danger is that they will be turned into cliches and rendered meaningless. This is what the general public does with any new idea, teaching, or discovery. This is why aphorisms, to be meaningfully useful, must be contemplated over time. Here are some of my personal favorites.
The role of the breath in somatic experience is a fascinating and multi-faceted one, but most of our knowledge about rhythmic variations and emotions comes from clinical anecdotes. The scientific study of breathing and emotions occurs within the context of three theoretical models and all of them relate to the relationship between the breath and emotional body experience. Different emotions evoke different breathing patterns.