The term Yoga Nidra denotes yogic or psychic sleep. It is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, induced by guided meditation. It is said that the history of Yoga Nidra is as old as Yoga itself, as it is mentioned as early as the Upanishads. In the epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is associated with Yoga Nidra.
It encourages deep relaxation, improves sleep patterns, and reduces stress and anxiety. Yoga Nidra involves lying down (or sitting) and breathing deeply whilst adhering to cues from a trained practitioner imparting Yoga Nidra training.
How does Yoga Nidra work?
While Yoga Nidra is not a substitute for sleep, many who practice, claim they experience much more a rested and relaxed state of mind. It’s suggested that the breathing techniques used in Yoga Nidra in combination with body sensing techniques-where bring attention to different body areas-function to trigger a relaxation response in the brain.
As the body begins to relax in the course of the practice, the sympathetic nervous system responsible for excitement is suppressed, whilst the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for relaxation gets stimulated.
During this transition, beta-wave activity in the brain gets slowly replaced by alpha-wave activity. Beta waves are associated with being mentally alert and alpha waves signifies mental relaxation.
To put it simply, Yoga Nidra training imparted by certified yoga instructors, causes the brain to undergo a total shift from being alert to a state of relaxation while one remains conscious.
Life-Changing Benefits of Yoga Nidra:
- Improves your sleep and reduces insomnia.
- Makes you detached from thoughts, ruminations, and contemplations.
- Boosts concentration levels.
- Releases stress, tension, worries and anxieties.
- Relaxes and rejuvenates the body.
- Soothes the nervous system.
- Reduces fatigue.
- Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Strengthens immunity.
- Treats depression.
- Reduces PTSD, chronic pain & chemical dependency.
- Aids you in connecting with yourself.
- Supports brain function and boosts creativity.
- Makes you enjoy life to the fullest.
- Enhances one’s self-esteem.
How to practice Yoga Nidra?
If you are a beginner or fresher, there are plenty of ways to initiate it. Most yoga studios offer classes or sessions, as well as provide lots of videos and online guidance on how to get started and go about it.
In general, the Yoga Nidra training session starts off with you lying on your back on a yoga mat. Yoga instructors will begin to guide you slowly and gently in attaining the initial phase of letting yourself loose in a state of calmness and relaxation!
Moreover, your teacher will prompt you to set an intention or affirmation (for instance, ‘My body is strong’ or ‘I am loved’) and will keep on repeating it a few more times in your head. Thereafter, you will be guided to undergo a full body scan, bringing and focusing your attention to each area of your body, one by one.
Throughout the course of meditation, you will get to experience a deep, profound sense of relaxation, but must refrain from falling fast asleep. As the Yoga Nidra training session draws to a close, start to regain your awareness and consciousness of your surroundings around you. You are most likely to be asked to reaffirm and reinstate your initial intention before you open your eyes. However, one doesn’t require equipment to practice Yoga Nidra, only a yoga mat will suffice.
Get Yoga Nidra training at Diya Yoga –Yoga Alliance certified RYS200 school located at the beautiful beach of Arambol, North Goa, India. Our best yoga teacher training programs in Goa merge ancient Vedic knowledge with modern yoga asanas taught by highly skilled and trained Indian and International teachers and mentors. We deliver comprehensive theoretical and practical training programs during our 25-day structured course. After completion of our 200-hour yoga teacher training Goa (VVT course), you will emerge as a confident teacher with enhanced skills to impart yoga lessons to wannabes. Join us in our noble effort to spread the all-around benefits of yoga far and wide!
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