Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is believed to be as old as Yoga itself in terms of history, with the first reference of it being in the Upanishads (600 BCE). In the 11th century, Yoga Nidra was used in Hatha yoga and Raja yoga texts as a synonym for samadhi, a deep state of meditative consciousness.
Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is a guided lying down meditation. All you have to do is lie down and listen to the systematically guided meditation of breath awareness, body sensing, guided imagery and other practices. It has the power to heal and rejuvenate the deeper levels of our being.
I am trained in Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra by Jennifer Reis. It is an eight-stage journey based on the “Five Kosha” levels of being from the Upanishads. It uses invitatory language to allow participants to bring their choices into each journey and it utilizes all of the senses, and the whole being, including all levels of mind.
Yoga translates as Union. Union of the individual soul with the Supersoul, the Divine. Nidra in Sanskrit translates as Sleep.
Nidra-Sleep is one of the “3 Pillars of Health in Ayurveda”. The first pillar is ahara : food, second nidra : sleep and the third pillar is brahmacharya: energy management.
Below is a short list of the many benefits and health conditions that Yoga Nidra can help with. In our times most health conditions are caused by high levels of stress. Calming the mind can help heal the whole body.
Yoga Nidra Benefits
it can help improve sleep quality and combat insomnia
it can help to catch up on lost sleep
it can help reduce stress and anxiety
it can help improve mental clarity and focus
it can help balance hormones
it can help relieve pain
strengthens immune system
Conditions Yoga Nidra can help
high blood pressure
heart disease
chronic pain
multiple sclerosis
anxiety and depression
digestive conditions
Who can practice Yoga Nidra
Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra. Traditionally it is done in “savasana” lying down on the back. But can be practiced lying on the side or on a chair. The most important thing is to be comfortable during the practice with the appropriate props for the mind to relax.
You cannot practice Yoga Nidra incorrectly
Even if you fall asleep during Yoga Nidra you still receive the benefits. The ears are always listening even in our deepest sleep. The deepest layers of our being are always awake and receptive. There have been times that I fell asleep, but I could hear the teacher's voice from a distance and upon awakening I felt relaxed and rejuvanated.
Scientific Research in Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra: Women’s Health Study
Yoga Nidra: College Study on Stress + Anxiety
Ancient Yogic Texts on Yoga Nidra
