Comparing the Effects of Yoga Nidra and Body Scan Meditation on Pain Outcomes

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.