Comparing the Effects of Yoga Nidra and Body Scan Meditation on Pain Outcomes
Violette Gibbs, William J. Hanney, Abigail W. Anderson
International Journal of Yoga September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_2_25 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Adults with chronic pain |
| Interventions | Yoga nidra Body scan |
| Duration | 45-minute session, with assessments pre-, post-, and 24-h post intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation Therapeutic touch Chronic pain Intensity physics Medicine |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Both yoga nidra and body scan significantly reduced pain intensity and pain-related anxiety, with yoga nidra showing greater improvements in well-being immediately post intervention. |
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life. Mind–body interventions (MBIs), such as yoga nidra and body scan, show promise in managing pain. Yoga nidra incorporates intention-setting, visualization, and relaxation, whereas body scan focuses on somatic awareness. While prior literature has applied meditation as a therapeutic intervention in individuals with chronic pain, limited literature has compared the effects of yoga nidra and body scan on pain outcomes.
Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the immediate effects of yoga nidra and body scan on pain intensity, pain anxiety, well-being, and optimism in adults with chronic pain.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with 23 participants experiencing chronic pain was conducted. Participants underwent either a 45-min yoga nidra ( n = 12) or body scan session ( n = 11). Outcomes were assessed pre-, post-, and 24-h post intervention.
Results: Both interventions significantly reduced pain intensity and pain-related anxiety over time ( P < 0.01), with reductions observed regardless of group. Yoga nidra demonstrated greater improvements in well-being immediately post intervention compared to body scan ( P = 0.01). No significant differences or main effects were found between groups for optimism ( P = 0.60).
Conclusion: Both yoga nidra and body scans reduce pain intensity and pain-related anxiety. Yoga nidra uniquely enhances well-being, supporting its use as a therapeutic MBI for chronic pain.