“As the medical community increasingly recognizes the value of holistic approaches to
cancer care, there is a growing interest in integrating complementary therapies that address both the mental and physical aspects of health. One such therapy is Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that has garnered attention for its potential to alleviate psychological distress and improve sleep quality in cancer patients.”

In Yoga Nidra: A Promising Complementary Therapy for Enhancing Cancer Care, Dr. Giridharan goes on to note that because yoga nidra is noninvasive, cost-effective, and highly accessible, the practice represents an encouraging approach for enhancing well-being in those undergoing cancer treatment:

“Yoga Nidra provides a unique method of engaging with subconscious and unconscious minds, promoting a sense of mental clarity and emotional relief. Furthermore, it is a deeply relaxing practice that combines guided meditation, body awareness, breathing techniques, and visualization. Unlike traditional yoga, which often requires physical postures, Yoga Nidra is performed while lying down in Shavasana (corpse pose) [or any comfortable position!], rendering it accessible to individuals experiencing fatigue, pain, or other physical limitations common in cancer patients.”

Several studies have investigated this simple-to-do meditative practice specifically for people with cancer, finding potential benefits to sleep quality, stress, and psychological well-being. According to Giridharan, yoga nidra’s “focus on deep relaxation and inner awareness helps alleviate psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which are common among cancer patients because of the emotional and physical toll of their illness.” Although larger, more rigorous studies with standardized protocols are needed, additional evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of yoga nidra in alleviating pain and stress, as well as in improving mood, sleep, cardiovascular health, and immune function.

Learn more about Yoga nidra

IAYT members can access a recent perspective on Key Components of Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra from Kimberley Luu, MSc. (Sign in to your iayt.org account first.) Additional interesting articles from the International Journal of Yoga Therapy include

• The Consciousness State of Traditional Nidrâ Yoga/Modern Yoga Nidra: Phenomenological Characterization and Preliminary Insights from an EEG Study

• Efficacy of Yoga Nidra on Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia in Frontline COVID-19 Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

• Defining Yoga-Nidra: Traditional Accounts, Physiological Research, and Future Directions (open access)
  

Here are two previous features on yoga nidra from the yogatherapy.health blog:

• Let’s talk about yoga nidra!
• “Yoga Nidra: Help with Sleep and Anxiety”

And a practice to try today, from Carrie Meyer, C-IAYT:

• Yoga nidra for self-healing

Find an IAYT-certified yoga therapist to help you craft a custom approach to yoga nidra and other meditative practices here!