Abstract

Aim of the study: The study compared the immediate effects of a single session of yoga nidra (YN) and massage therapy (MT) on relaxation levels, vigor and affect in patients receiving either of the two therapies, both administered when supine and intended for relaxation. Methods and Material: In this exploratory comparative study, sixty patients were recruited from a wellness center in north India. Of these, thirty patients received YN (average age ± SD: 40.80 ± 14.10 years; male:female ratio: 21:9), while thirty patients received MT (average age ± SD: 47.10 ± 13.26 years; male:female: 14:16). Patients completed the relaxation state questionnaire (RSQ) and global vigor and affect scale (GVA) before and after YN or MT. Data were analysed using SPSS 24.0. Results: MT alone increased general relaxation (p<0.05; RM-ANOVA). Both interventions (1) increased muscle relaxation, (2) decreased sleepiness and (3) increased global vigor and global affect (p<0.05; in all cases RM-ANOVA). Conclusion: The present findings support both YN and MT as relaxing practices which increase positive affect and vigor, YN may be preferred if relaxation is to be accompanied by better awareness (lower sleepiness 32.33 versus 23.29 percent, YN vs. MT respectively), whereas MT facilitates muscle and overall relaxation.

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