Dr. Shivanand opens up about the evolution of Yoga of Immortals, its impact on mental health, and its growing presence across industries globally.
Dr. Ishan Shivanand
Dr. Ishan Shivanand, a mental health researcher and the founder of Yoga of Immortals (YOI), is transforming the way we approach mental well-being. In an exclusive interview, he shares how YOI blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern science to create a holistic, research-backed solution for stress, anxiety, and burnout. Below, Dr. Shivanand opens up about the evolution of Yoga of Immortals, its impact on mental health, and its growing presence across industries globally.
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1. How did the pandemic serve as a catalyst for the creation of Yoga of Immortals, and what specific aspects of the experience shaped the program?
The pandemic was a turning point for us. When COVID-19 hit, we were already working with healthcare and government institutions to improve access to mental health tools. But suddenly, everything changed. People needed immediate tools to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout.
This crisis made us reimagine how ancient yogic wisdom could be delivered to those in desperate need. That’s how YOI took shape-a program designed to deliver immediate results. We focused on distilling Indian Knowledge Systems into structured, research-backed techniques that anyone could utilise, anywhere, anytime.
Further, we needed to research to validate YOI’s impact on different demographics. We’re delighted that YOI emerged as a transformative solution. As an integrative healthcare intervention, blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific techniques helped practitioners reclaim balance, even in the face of chaos. While the pandemic may have passed, the stress it triggered continues to linger, solidifying YOI’s role as a practical, life-changing tool.
2. Yoga of Immortals blends ancient Yogic traditions with modern scientific insights. Could you share concrete examples of this unique integration within the program?
YOI modalities bring an alignment between native and modern medicine in a way that’s accessible and affordable. I like to think of it as a meeting point between the past and the future. For instance, it combines meditation, breathwork, and visualization techniques-practices that have been refined for thousands of years-with insights from cognitive behavioural science.
What’s exciting is how we’ve validated these techniques using modern tools. Through randomized clinical trials, we have measured tangible results-reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and enhanced emotional well-being by 72-82% within 4-8 weeks of diligent practice.
3. Your studies highlight measurable improvements in mental well-being through YOI. Could you discuss the scientific research backing its effectiveness in tackling anxiety, depression, and insomnia?
During the pandemic, among multiple research was an 8-week clinical trial with over 1,500 participants. We used validated scales like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measure progress. The results were incredible: anxiety symptoms reduced by 75%, depression dropped by 72%, and insomnia improved by 82%. Overall, participants reported a 77% improvement in their quality of life. What stood out to me was how people who were already struggling with diagnosed depression and anxiety showed even greater improvements.
4. YOI takes a holistic approach to health. How does the program address not just physical fitness but also emotional and social well-being?
YOI is based on integrative healthcare, which has always directed that true health goes beyond the physical. Stress and burnout don’t only affect your mind-they isolate you emotionally and socially. Having worked with millions of people from across 150 countries, what is incredibly common is: people become disconnected from their own emotions and, in turn, withdraw from those around them. Through YOI practices, people begin to reconnect with their individuality, which helps them draw meaning and purpose. When you are at peace internally, you naturally show up as a more empathetic, compassionate person for your family, friends, and community. When stress melts away, it makes space for love, understanding, and deeper connections-both with yourself and with others. The connected self is the foundation for a connected world.
5. YOI has partnered with prominent corporations and respected institutions. How does it adapt to the varied needs of these environments, and what advantages do these collaborations provide?
We have had the fortune to work with leading healthcare institutions like the Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Center, where YOI programs help address physician burnout and stress management. For healthcare professionals navigating high-pressure roles, YOI’s structured techniques have been shown to improve resilience, cognition and emotional stability. In corporate environments like Google Research, we focus on helping employees manage burnout and improve productivity. When stress is reduced, people perform better, think more clearly, and engage more fully-it’s a win-win for individuals and organizations.
We have also partnered with academic institutions to help students and faculty manage academic pressures. These collaborations don’t just expand YOI’s reach-they also validate its impact across diverse settings. It’s deeply rewarding to see how YOI is making a real difference in people’s lives globally.
6. Why is fostering mental resilience so vital in today's fast-paced world? How does YOI empower individuals to handle stress and overcome life’s challenges?
According to the WHO, 1 in 4 people will face mental health challenges in their lifetime. I believe YOI is here to change that narrative. Through structured practices based on Indian Knowledge Systems, like meditation, pranayama, and cognitive techniques, YOI equips individuals with tools to handle stress, build emotional clarity, and maintain inner balance. These techniques are designed to move beyond survival -they empower you to thrive despite uncertainties in life. When you strengthen your mind, you overcome challenges with grace and purpose.
7. What role do you see Yogic techniques playing in the evolution of mental health care, and how do you envision YOI contributing to this shift?
While conventional approaches focus on symptoms, yogic practices address the root causes of stress and emotional imbalances-offering a pathway to holistic healing. YOI is intended to be a scalable solution that is accessible yet transformative. I see YOI being institutionalized, and becoming a cornerstone of integrative healthcare-working alongside pharmaceutical and medicine to improve mental health outcomes globally. By empowering people with tools to manage stress, enhance resilience, and live with balance, we can create a healthier, more connected community and nation.
8. As an integrative healthcare intervention, how does YOI complement pharmaceutical approaches to promote total well-being through its unique combination of disease-preventive techniques?
Our core emphasis in integrative healthcare lies in promoting lifestyle and behavioural modifications that elevate quality of life and foster holistic well-being. YOI approach seamlessly complements both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments, including therapeutic methods.
Through our experience, YOI has proven especially beneficial in long-term rehabilitation, playing a vital role in maintaining mental health progress achieved over time. In numerous instances, YOI has independently delivered remarkable improvements in overall health, even without the inclusion of non-pharmaceutical treatments.
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