Therapeutic potential of yoga nidra for chemo brain: a complementary and integrative perspective

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the changes in heart rate variability (HRV) before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluate the effect of Yoga Nidra as a postoperative intervention on autonomic function during recovery.MethodologyA prospective study was conducted among 32 patients diagnosed with CAD and scheduled for elective CABG. Preoperative and postoperative HRV measurements were recorded. After discharge, participants were randomly divided into the following two groups: the case group received the Yoga Nidra intervention (guided sessions, two sessions daily for three months), while the control group received standard care without Yoga Nidra. HRV was assessed again three months postoperatively. Parameters such as high-frequency (HF) power, low-frequency (LF) power, and LF/HF ratio were analyzed to evaluate autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation.ResultsIn the case group, a significant decrease in HF (normalized units) was observed two weeks after surgery (from 40.38 to 30.85), reflecting a transient reduction in parasympathetic activity due to surgical stress. However, by the end of the three-month Yoga Nidra intervention, HF values improved significantly to 40.98, indicating a parasympathetic rebound. A decrease in the values of LF and the LF/HF ratio was noted, suggesting a restoration of autonomic balance in the Yoga Nidra group compared to the controls. In other words, at the end of three months, the HF component showed a statistically significant improvement in the Yoga Nidra group compared to controls (p = 0.003). The 95% confidence interval for the group difference (4.80, 21.50) did not cross zero, and the effect size (r = 0.61) indicated a large effect.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that while CABG initially disrupts autonomic function, as evidenced by reduced parasympathetic markers, regular Yoga Nidra practice contributes to modulating the balance of the ANS during recovery periods, facilitating a favorable shift toward parasympathetic dominance. This shift, as assessed by HRV parameters, suggests improved autonomic recovery and enhanced myocardial electrical stability during the postoperative period.

Introduction: Cardiovascular autonomic functions are affected by the negative influences of stress which bring about alterations in heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga based relaxation techniques like Yoga Nidra have been found to relieve stress as shown by improved HRV. This study was conducted to assess the immediate effects of a yoga based guided relaxation technique, Yoga Nidra on HRV parameters in young and healthy volunteers.
 Methods: This was an interventional study conducted in the Department of Clinical Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj. Fifty two male medical students were divided into supine rest group (n=26) and Yoga Nidra group (n=26). HRV indices were recorded before and after supine rest and Yoga Nidra. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons of the HRV parameters were done before and after the interventions.
 Results: In comparison to the supine rest, Yoga Nidra produced significant increase in values of HF (1460.72 Vs 3272.99; p=0.03) and HFnu (50.32 Vs 62.68; p=0.004); and significant reduction in the values of LFnu (49.68 Vs 37.32; p=0.004) and LF:HF ratio (0.99 Vs 0.59; p=0.004), which suggested that the parasympathetic modulating response of Yoga Nidra was better than that of supine rest.
 Conclusion: Yoga Nidra, a yoga based relaxation technique brings better relaxation response than supine rest as indicated by the significantly improved HRV indices.

Pediatric behavioral concerns, encompassing anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation, pose significant challenges for children, families, and health-care professionals. Traditional interventions often rely on behavioral modification or medication, with varying degrees of success and potential side effects. In recent years, nonpharmacological approaches, particularly those grounded in mind-body practices, have gained traction. Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique rooted in yoga philosophy, offers a promising approach for promoting emotional well-being and positive behavioral change in children. This comprehensive review explores the potential of Yoga Nidra in addressing pediatric behavioral concerns. This review examined the potential mechanisms underlying Yoga Nidra's effects and existing research on its psychological impact, including stress reduction, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and sleep quality. Parallels were also drawn with hypnosis, another established mind-body technique. Finally, the research on Yoga Nidra's effectiveness in specific behavioral issues was reviewed and advocated for further investigation as a noninvasive intervention for promoting positive child development.

Hypertension (HTN) is a common and growing public health challenge with severe risk factors. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of Om chanting and Yoga Nidra on depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality and autonomic functions on individuals with hypertension. This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in patients with hypertension at Little Flower Medical Research Center. A total of 80 patients with diagnosed hypertension were recruited and randomized equally to either the experimental group or control group. The experimental group received a combination of Om chanting and Yoga Nidra for five days a week for two months. The control group participants continued with their regular conventional medications. Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and heart rate variability (HRV) scores were assessed at baseline, 30 and 60day for both the groups. A total of 34 subjects in the experimental group and 31 subjects in the control group were included in the analysis. There was a significant (p<0.001) reduction in depression, anxiety, stress, and a significant (p<0.001) improvement in PSQI and HRV parameters in the experimental group was observed as compared to the control group. No adverse events were reported during the trial period. The current study validates the effectiveness of Om chanting and Yoga Nidra in reducing depression, anxiety, stress and improving sleep quality and autonomic functions in hypertensive patients. These interventions could thus be considered a safer form of complementary therapy in managing stress and hypertension.

Introduction: Garbhsanskaar is an ancient Indian tradition or prenatal practice that encompasses a range of prenatal practices aimed at enhancing the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of an unborn child. Rooted in Indian tradition, these practices include reading spiritual books, chanting mantrs, meditation, yoga, dietary regulations, listening to music, and engaging in creative, positive, and spiritually enriching activities. Methods: Literature from a range of sources including ancient texts, contemporary research articles, and clinical studies was conducted for this study. Furthermore, databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and traditional Ayurvedic manuscripts till December 2023 were utilized to gather relevant information on Garbhsanskaar practices and its effects. Results: Numerous researches on Garbhsanskaar or prenatal care and its effects on expectant mothers and their unborn children revealed several kinds of advantages for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These exercises include yoga, meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra, diet, painting, and reading sacred texts. Discussion: This study presents that all the practices which come under the Garbhsanskaar ritual actually improve the mother’s and the baby’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Conclusion: Garbhsanskaar offers a valuable perspective on prenatal care and should become essential in the life of pregnant women. Garbhsanskaar is an ancient Indian practice that involves a series of traditional rituals during pregnancy. This Sanskar aimed to uplift the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of an unborn child. The term “Garbhsanskaar” is derived from two Sanskrit words, where “Garbha,” meaning womb of a mother, and “Sanskaar,” meaning education/values.[1,2] The Vedas and Puranas are ancient Indian books that have references about the Garbhsanskaar practice. It is widely believed that a baby’s physical, mental, and spiritual development starts in the womb and the unborn child is greatly influenced by the mother’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Historical figures, such

Pain, both acute and chronic, places a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. While conventional treatments may be limited in efficacy due to side effects, risk of dependency, or variable individual response, there is growing interest in mind-body complementary approaches. Yoga Nidra (YGN) has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention for pain management. However, a clear understanding of its efficacy remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of YGN on pain outcomes. A literature search was conducted across seven databases and one trial database. Eligible studies included quantitative designs assessing the effects of YGN on pain. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the modified Downs and Black checklist for non-randomized studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled effect sizes. Twelve studies, comprising 1,176 participants, were included. Between-group analyses revealed that YGN significantly reduced pain compared to passive comparators (Hedge's g: -2.05, p=0.01), while comparisons with active comparators (g: -0.31, p= 0.53) showed no statistically significant differences. Within-group analyses indicated significant pain reduction following YGN (g: -2.01, p<0.001). Subgroup comparisons of single versus multiple training sessions, as well as meta-regression analyses, revealed no significant dose-response relationship across intervention durations. YGN shows potential in reducing pain intensity compared to passive control conditions, with notable within-group improvements following intervention. However, given the low methodological quality across the included studies, these effects should be interpreted cautiously, as the observed effects may represent inflated estimates. Despite these limitations, YGN demonstrates potential as a complementary approach for pain management, underscoring the need for high-quality, standardized research to establish its efficacy as a viable clinical intervention.

ABSTRACTPast research results suggest that executive functioning (EF) impairment represents an important vulnerability factor in depression. Little research, however, has examined mechanisms underlying this association. The current study investigates the associations between EF impairment, emotion regulation (ER) strategies, and depressive symptoms in a sample of 579 adolescents (320 females, mean age = 12.06 years). Parents reported on adolescents’ EF and general psychopathology, and adolescents self-reported ER strategies and depressive symptoms. The results indicate that greater EF impairment is associated with more depressive symptoms. Youth with greater EF impairment reported more maladaptive ER and less adaptive ER, and maladaptive and adaptive ER strategies jointly mediated the association between EF impairment and depressive symptoms. The results highlight an important role of both maladaptive and adaptive ER in explaining the relationship between EF and depressive symptoms and suggest that clinical interventions targeting ER skills may provide one strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression. Further longitudinal research is needed to replicate these results and evaluate the causality of the relations.

Potential connections between senescence and chemobrain: An early overview of literature.

Cognitive deficits are one of the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy (CHT). Previous reports suggest that this is due to the so-called chemo brain syndrome, the symptoms of which manifest mainly as impairments in executive functions, speed of information processing, memory, attention, and motor speed. However, empirical evidence for these manifestations is currently ambiguous. The research group consisted of 26 cancer patients with haematological malignancies who had undergone chemotherapy treatment. Cognitive performance was measured by two screening cognitive tests, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Test (MoCA). MMSE detected cognitive deficits in 34.6% of patients whereas MoCA identified mild or moderate cognitive impairment in up to 80.7% of patients. The highest error rates were found in tasks focused on memory, attention, spatial orientation, executive functions, and abstraction. Cognitive deficit progressed with age, but not with duration of therapy. Deficits in cognitive functions occur in a considerable number of patients after CHT, although the diagnosis depends on the sensitivity of the detection method. Screening scales usually provide the first indication of impaired cognitive functioning and may indicate the need for further neuropsychological examination. Early diagnosis of reduced cognitive functions is a prerequisite for effective psychological intervention to help patients cope with the undesirable effects of chemotherapy treatment more quickly.Key words: chemotherapy - cognitive dysfunction - chemo brain - cognitive screening - neuropsychological tests - psychology The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 4. 7. 2017Accepted: 24. 8. 2017.

e18572 Background: Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, or "chemo brain," is characterized by memory deficits, emotional disturbance, and impaired executive function, affecting up to 75% of cancer patients. While its mechanisms remain unclear, alterations in cellular metabolism are thought to play a key role. This study investigates the effects of chemotherapy on brain glucose metabolism in leukemia patients through region- and voxel-based analyses using high-resolution 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included leukemia patients treated at MD Anderson Center (January 1, 2023–August 8, 2024). Patients with brain metastasis, cognitive disorders, or psychiatric conditions were excluded. 18F-FDG PET/CT scans (Biograph Vision Quadra, Siemens Healthineers) were analyzed, with brain slices co-registered to a MiM neuro template normalized to MNI space. Age- and gender-matched subgroups were compared for region- and voxel-based analyses using the Standard Brain Atlas, and a 100-voxel threshold for significance, respectively. Mean SUVwb values were compared using two-tailed t-tests (P &lt; 0.05, T = 1.96) in MIM software (v. 7.1.4). Results: A total of 100 leukemia patients (50 females and 50 males) were included: 51 were receiving chemotherapy within one year of the scan, 21 had received chemotherapy more than one year prior, and 28 underwent PET scans before starting chemotherapy. Significant differences in brain metabolism were observed between patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not. Hyper-metabolism was identified in the Amygdala, Fusiform Gyrus, Temporal Operculum, Parahippocampal Gyrus, and Insula, while hypo-metabolism was prominent in the Occipital Lobe, Posterior Cingulate Gyrus, Inferior Medial Frontal Gyrus, and Precuneus. Intrathecal chemotherapy was associated with hypo-metabolism in the Subcallosal Area and Thalamus, and hyper-metabolism in the Fusiform Gyrus. Temporal analysis revealed hyper-metabolism in regions such as the Temporal Operculum and Insula during or shortly after chemotherapy, transitioning to hypo-metabolism in the Occipital Lobe and Precuneus over time. These findings highlight distinct, time-dependent patterns of brain metabolism influenced by chemotherapy modality and timing. Conclusions: This study identifies alterations in brain glucose metabolism associated with chemotherapy. Hyper-metabolism was predominantly observed in regions involved in emotion, and sensory integration. In contrast, hypo-metabolism was more common in regions associated with visual processing and executive function. Temporal analysis revealed a shift from hyper- to hypo-metabolism in specific regions, suggesting progressive metabolic changes over time. These findings provide insights into the neurobiological foundation of chemotherapy-related cognitive and mood disturbances.

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common adverse effect of treatment and is characterized by deficits involving multiple cognitive domains including memory. Despite the significant morbidity of CRCI and the expected increase in cancer survivors over the coming decades, the pathophysiology of CRCI remains incompletely understood, highlighting the need for new model systems to study CRCI. Given the powerful array of genetic approaches and facile high throughput screening ability in Drosophila, our goal was to validate a Drosophila model relevant to CRCI. We administered the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin to adult Drosophila. Neurologic deficits were observed with all tested chemotherapies, with doxorubicin and in particular cisplatin also resulting in memory deficits. We then performed histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of cisplatin-treated Drosophila tissue, demonstrating neuropathologic evidence of increased neurodegeneration, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Thus, our Drosophila model relevant to CRCI recapitulates clinical, radiologic, and histologic alterations reported in chemotherapy patients. Our new Drosophila model can be used for mechanistic dissection of pathways contributing to CRCI (and chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity more generally) and pharmacologic screens to identify disease-modifying therapies.

Neuroprotective effect of herbal extracts inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and cyclooxygenase (COX) against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in mice

BackgroundChemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI) significantly impacts the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. The occurrence of CRCI is linked to the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, limited research has examined the efficacy of acupuncture for treating CRCI in TNBC patients. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing CRCI among TNBC patients and explore the mechanism by which acupuncture treatment affects CRCI through the inflammatory signaling pathway.MethodsThis study is designed as a prospective, parallel, randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded clinical trial. It will involve 50 patients diagnosed with TNBC who also experience CRCI. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups, with an equal 1:1 allocation ratio into either the intervention group or the control group. Both groups will receive acupuncture sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20 min. The primary outcome of this study will be the percentage of subjects showing improvement in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score at the end of treatment. Secondary outcome measures will include the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, EORTC QLQ-C30 score, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines.DiscussionThe findings of this study are expected to provide additional evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture and contribute clinical data that may elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanisms by which acupuncture ameliorates CRCI.Trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=218356, identifier: ChiCTR2400080147.

Chemotherapy is one of the common treatments in cancer management. However, chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is one notable side effect that can greatly impact a patient's quality of life. Literature on CICI in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are few and inconsistent. This review aims to identify the methodological differences in such studies. A systematic search was performed in four electronic databases. All peer-reviewed primary literature published in English that evaluated cognitive-related functioning scores related to chemotherapy in GI cancer patients were included. Information about each study such as CICI findings, study limitations, methodology, and sample characteristics was extracted and synthesized. A total of 19 studies were included. Evidence of CICI was found in 50.0% (8 of 16) and 62.5% (5 of 8) studies that used objective and subjective measures, respectively. Methodological differences such as groups used for comparison, instruments used, and assessment from the length of time since chemotherapy were highlighted between studies that did and did not find evidence of CICI. This review suggests that the mixed findings can be attributed to the heterogeneous methodologies adopted in the evaluation of CICI in this field. Further studies are necessary to establish the presence and chronicity of CICI, and in which groups of patients to facilitate targeted interventions and treatments.

Yoga and mindfulness practices, rooted in ancient traditions, have emerged as effective tools for addressing modern mental health challenges. This article explores their integration into contemporary mental health and wellness programs, emphasizing their impact on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being. Drawing on scientific evidence, it examines the mechanisms through which yoga and mindfulness influence mental health, including their role in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The discussion highlights mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the therapeutic applications of yoga, such as restorative practices and yoga nidra. Additionally, the article addresses challenges in adapting these practices to modern settings and their cultural and ethical dimensions. By examining their benefits, limitations, and potential for innovation, this study underscores the relevance of yoga and mindfulness in promoting holistic well-being and suggests pathways for their wider adoption in mental health programs.