What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is much more than a relaxation practice. Sometimes thought of as yogic sleep, yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. Imagine the relaxation you feel in the “going-to-sleep” stage, when your body has prepared itself for deep slumber but your consciousness remains aware, awake, and semi-alert. Yoga Nidra is a practice that brings you to this stage at will, typically via a guided meditation.
Both the Upanishads and the Mahabharata, ancient Indian scriptures with thousands of years of wisdom for life, spirit, and body, mention a state called yoga Nidra. The effects of yoga Nidra have been studied in scientific studies and the practice is used as a treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and numerous dependencies.
What are the benefits of Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra works with the autonomic nervous system by calming the sympathetic nervous system and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for automatic, typically unconscious processes such as our heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and blood flow.
Deep relaxation practices such as yoga Nidra show demonstrated effectiveness in managing anxiety and stress by lowering the fight or flight response, a main component of the sympathetic nervous system. Lowering the fight or flight response stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, a huge promoter of homeostasis in the body, or the maintenance of balance in digestion, immunity, and stress management. Yoga Nidra activates the pineal gland which in turn releases melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that regulates immune function, cortisol levels, blood pressure, and the quality of sleep.