IIT and AIIMS Researchers Reveal Brain Benefits of Yoga Nidra

A new study from Indian researchers at IIT Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, and Mahajan Imaging Delhi has explored how the ancient practice of ‘Yoga Nidra’ affects the brain. Published in Scientific Reports, the study used fMRI scans to examine how it impacts areas involved in emotional regulation, mind-wandering, and sleep.

Yoga Nidra. also know as ‘Yogis Sleep’, is a meditative practice that involves deep relaxation while maintaining awareness. The study found that experienced meditators, with an average of 3,000 hours of practice, displayed significant differences in brain activity compared to novices. In particular, they showed less connectivity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), a brain region involved in self-referential thinking and mind-wandering.

Photo Credit: home.iitd.ac.in

This reduction in DMN connectivity suggests that this ‘Yogic Sleep” helps experienced practitioners maintain awareness and reduce mind-wandering. In contrast, beginners displayed more active DMN, indicating they might still be grappling with wandering thoughts.

The researchers explained that during ‘Yoga Nidra’, practitioners lie in Shavasana (corpse pose) and follow audio-guided instructions that focus on different body parts, breathing, or mantras. This practice leads to a deep state of relaxation, akin to the serenity of deep sleep but with conscious awareness.

‘Yoga Nidra’ has gained global attention for its potential benefits in mental and physical health. Making this study a significant step toward understanding its neural mechanisms.

Source: ndtv.com

Both Craniosacral Therapy and Yoga Nidra promote deep relaxation and mindfulness. This helps the body to release tension and support self healing through heightened awareness and the release of the fight and flight or freeze mode.

Listen here to the guided medallion with the voice of the founder of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He is a world-renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian, and founder of the NGO called The Art of Living: