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Key Components of Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra.

International journal of yoga therapy
December 1, 2024
Kimberley Luu
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Extracted Claims (12)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
yoga nidra
decrease
symptoms of trauma
individuals affected by trauma
-
alleviate
#1
yoga nidra
decrease
hypervigilance
individuals affected by trauma
-
alleviate
#2
yoga nidra
decrease
sleep disturbances
individuals affected by trauma
-
alleviate
#3
yoga nidra
decrease
disembodiment
individuals affected by trauma
-
alleviate
#4
yoga nidra
increase
adverse reactions
practitioners
-
re-traumatizing side-effects
#5
yoga nidra
increase
overwhelming flashbacks
practitioners
-
reported as a result of
#6
yoga nidra
increase
emotional distress
practitioners
-
reported as a result of
#7
yoga nidra
increase
extended dissociation
practitioners
-
reported as a result of
#8
trauma-informed yoga nidra practice
decrease
harm
those living with trauma
-
protect
#9
trauma-informed yoga nidra practice
increase
well-being
nonclinical populations
-
extended benefits
#10
thoughtful decisions
increase
safety
practitioners under the facilitator's care
-
optimizing
#11
thoughtful decisions
increase
benefit
practitioners under the facilitator's care
-
optimizing
#12
Abstract

Trauma exposure is universal to the human condition, with many affected individuals experiencing either posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or subthreshold manifestations. Both scenarios can become functionally debilitating and collectively lay a heavy burden on individuals and society. Yoga nidra is one adjunctive treatment of growing interest, holding potential for its ability to alleviate symptoms of trauma, including hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and disembodiment. However, yoga nidra practices can have re-traumatizing side-effects if not delivered conscientiously. For instance, adverse reactions such as overwhelming flashbacks, emotional distress, and extended dissociation have been reported as a result of yoga nidra practice. To prevent harm and maximize yoga nidra's therapeutic potential, 10 key components of trauma-informed yoga nidra practice are presented: (1) safe(r) and comfortable environment; (2) personal autonomy, healthy boundaries, and consent; (3) skillful mindful awareness; (4) appropriate length and preparation; (5) adequate settling and externalization; (6) sleep permission; (7) self-chosen intention; (8) flexible rotation of consciousness and breath awareness; (9) embodied pairs of opposites; and (10) conscientious visualizations. These measures protect those living with trauma and have extended benefits for nonclinical populations as well. That said, some of these components may be adapted based on context, especially in settings where direct feedback is readily available and can be prioritized. Ultimately, thoughtful decisions must be made with the intention of optimizing the safety of and benefit to the practitioners under the facilitator's care.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
YogaHumansStress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Study Links
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Related Supplements
Key Components of Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra. | Panacea Index