The utilization of Sa Ta Na Ma mantra during meditation to decrease levels of anxiety.

Goal is to decrease anxiety. Utilizing Verbal Numeric Scale, client will measure himself 0-10 ( Zero being no anxiety, 10 being the worst anxiety imaginable) each day the mantra is practiced with accompanied meditation ( pre and post meditation). This will be repeated 3days per week for the next 3 weeks. Client will keep written log of scale.

35 year old male with no remarkable history of illness. He is a nursing student that suffered a L5 extrusion herniation due to a Max Assist fall of patient under his care. Recent Microdiscetomy (12/13/21) to alleviate pressure from disc on spinal nerve, with M.D.today green-lighting gentle yoga. The fall, surgery and subsequent recovery has increased clients anxiety tremendously.

Plan was to meet the client one time per week for yoga private session. This session would include guided meditation with Sa Ta Na Ma mantra as part of session (beginning & end)... The client will have verbally given a number on the Anxiety 0-10 scale pre and post session. On his own the client would meditate (with mantra) 2 additional times during week noting pre/post anxiety levels on Anxiety Scale.

During the time with my client, Hatha, Raja and Japa branches we used. In terms of this lens of this particular case, the use of the Sa Ta Na Ma meditation would primarity fall under Japa Yoga which is the repetition of mantra - the "sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of Divine Vibration."
Referencing Foundations of Integral Yoga, my intention was to utilize this particular mantra to decrease levels of mental anxiety and stressful emotion resulting from the imbalance Manomaya Kosha. Once calming the mind, my intention was for the client to deepen connection to his metal/emotional state, breathwork and deeper connection to his body.

The time was spent well. I was happy to have chosen the yoga studio where I instruct a majority of my classes as it has a very serene feel. We were freely able to utilize props, and the client felt at ease in this setting. He was satisfied with the yoga sessions as well as subjectively reporting the benefits of using the mantra as it did help to decrease anxiety levels.

As mentioned I met with my client one time per week and it was suggested to him to continue meditation at least 2 additional times during the week using a supportive easy mediation position, mindful breathing but particular attention to the Sa Ta Na Ma mantra prior to and end of meditation. It was suggested to write the anxiety scale down in a notebook and to try to the best of his ability to do this at specific time during the day. He agreed to do each morning between 9-10am.

Yes, the planned key teaching was implemented, explained in terms of how to use the mantra with touching thumb to each of the fingers as the mantra was silently chanted. The client verbalized understanding, as well as observed without any client confusion during private sessions pre/post meditation. The client was satisfied overall and did feel anxiety levels dropped from 7-8/10 on the first session to 3/10 the last session. It was suggested the client continue the yoga practice, paying particular attention to meditation with mantra at least 3 days per week.

I needed to adapt (and refrain) from specific motions in the asana portion of our time together due to post op protocol. I also chose supine in hook lying position to begin with guided meditation & mantra. To end initial sessions, supported seated position (cushion under buttocks,back to wall) and ultimately let the client make the decision as to what position was the most comfortable to begin/end class. This would be the carryover when utilizing mantra with meditation during home practice.

I feel the setting, the utilization of gentle asana and mindful breathing benefited my client well. I do also believe the use of this specific mantra had a direct correlation to the marked decrease in anxiety levels. As each client I will continue to work with will have different needs, I do feel that this mantra, practiced regularly with meditation is a good choice for anxiety reduction.