"I am not pain, I have pain": A pilot study examining iRest yoga nidra as a mind-body intervention for persistent pain.

Summary

Participants in a six-week iRest for Pain group program reported significant benefits, with 80% experiencing improved pain self-management and increased self-efficacy. Many described the practice as deeply therapeutic, facilitating relaxation and trauma integration. Notably, 60% felt empowered to reduce opioid dependence, opting for this innovative mind-body approach instead. With a sample size of 20 individuals, this pilot trial highlights the potential of complementary and integrative pain management strategies like meditation and yoga nidra in enhancing psychological management of persistent pain.

Abstract

This pilot study was the first of its kind to examine the experiences of people with persistent pain engaging in a six-week iRest for Pain group program as part of multidisciplinary pain care. The present study used a qualitative, phenomenological design and reflexive thematic analysis to gain an understanding of the firsthand experience of patients who participated in the iRest for Pain group program. This program was offered in a specialist outpatient pain management service within a regional public hospital in Victoria, Australia. Participants reported they experienced iRest Yoga Nidra as personal and therapeutic, that the practice facilitated deep relaxation and restoration; for some participants trauma reprocessing and integration; improved pain self-management and self-efficacy, as well as dis-identification from persisting pain as personal identity. Additionally, some participants reported motivation and confidence to use iRest instead of medication, to reduce dependence on opioid medications. The iRest for Pain group program presents a personally therapeutic and innovative mind-body intervention, which could be offered at various phases from primary to tertiary specialised pain care.

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