Introduction:

Stress is one of the great scourges that affect humanity; it is considered a risk factor for the development of multiple conditions. The use of Yoga as an alternative therapy has been described by some authors as a beneficial tool for the treatment of this state; however, there is a contradiction regarding the effectiveness of their practice to minimize levels of stress.

Objective:

To expose the myths and realities, advantages and disadvantages and criteria of effectiveness of the practice of Yoga in the reduction of the levels of stress of the practitioners.

Methods:

Bibliographic review of 129 studies coded as randomized clinical trials, from the last 5 years, using descriptors in English, Spanish and Portuguese related to the subject of study. Databases consulted were MEDLINE, Psyclnfo, OVID, AgeLine, PubMed and SciELO.

Conclusions:

Most studies support the efficiency of Yoga's practice as an alternative therapy for reducing stress levels in people who practice it. The advantages and disadvantages of the practice of this therapy are described and the main deficiencies related to the methodological schemes of the different researches on the studied problem are indicated. The heterogeneity of the studies and the combination with other techniques are pointed out as the main methodological deficiency.

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