Aim: This review explores the prevalence of NCDs in India, identifies key risk factors, and evaluates the scientific evidence supporting yoga as a complementary approach for their prevention and management.

Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published in the last two decades was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included "non-communicable diseases," "India," "yoga," "lifestyle diseases," "prevalence," and "risk factors." Studies focusing on the epidemiology of NCDs in India and yoga-based interventions were included.

Results: India faces a growing burden of NCDs, accounting for over 60% of total deaths. Key risk factors include sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and psychosocial stress. Yoga-based interventions have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure, improving glycemic control, enhancing lung function, and reducing stress biomarkers. Studies suggest that yoga positively influences autonomic function, inflammatory markers, and overall well-being, making it a valuable complementary tool for NCD management.

Conclusion: Yoga offers a holistic approach to addressing India's NCD crisis by targeting multiple physiological and psychological pathways. While evidence supports its efficacy, large-scale randomized controlled trials and policy-level integration are needed to establish yoga as a mainstream preventive and therapeutic strategy.