In a groundbreaking study, researchers from IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi have utilized functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying Yoga Nidra. The study, titled “Functional connectivity changes in meditators and novices during Yoga Nidra practice,” has been published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The study revealed that increased hours of meditation and yoga practice correlate with more significant changes in brain activity during Yoga Nidra. Researchers observed 30 experienced meditators, who averaged 3,000 hours of meditation and yogic practice, and 31 novice controls.
As reported by The Times of India, Professor Rahul Garg of IIT Delhi explained that according to yogic texts, Yoga Nidra helps bring subconscious “samskaras” to the surface, eventually releasing them and promoting health. The activation of brain areas involved in emotion processing during Yoga Nidra is particularly noteworthy.
The study offers new insights into how Yoga Nidra affects brain function in both experienced practitioners and novices. It found that experienced meditators exhibit reduced mental chatter during Yoga Nidra, with this reduction correlated to the number of hours spent practicing yoga and meditation. The research highlighted differences in the behavior of the Default Mode Network (DMN) between meditators and novices. The DMN, active when the mind is at rest and not focused on the external world, showed varying connectivity patterns, reflecting the differing levels of mental engagement between the two groups.
Yoga Nidra practice involves lying down comfortably and following verbal instructions through stages of relaxation, breath awareness, and visualization. This method relaxes both the body and mind, promoting deep healing and stress reduction. It is known to alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and tension-related disorders, providing a state of deep relaxation akin to sleep but with heightened awareness that enhances mental clarity and emotional balance.