A pilot study conducted at a Veterans Medical Center found that women who had experienced sexual trauma reported significant decreases in PTSD symptoms after practicing iRest Yoga Nidra. Participants also reported reductions in negative thoughts of self-blame and depression.
Beyond the psychological improvements, participants reported decreased body tension, improved sleep quality, improved ability to handle intrusive thoughts, improved stress management, and an increased feeling of joy. For survivors of sexual trauma, regaining a sense of safety in the body is fundamental to recovery. Yoga Nidra, which works through guided awareness without demanding physical performance, may be particularly suited to this population.
The improvements were both psychological and physical. Trauma lives in the body, and a body-based practice helped address it.
Source: Yoga Research: Mental Health & Trauma on ashtanga.tech. Original research.
