By Kimaya Singh
If you teach vinyasa, hot or power Yoga classes, you might not get many requests for an expanded relaxation segment. Specific classes attract specific students and that’s why we have different classes on the schedule. That said, if you just completed a restorative Yoga teacher training course, the end of your classes should focus on deep relaxation.
Yoga Nidra, or deep Yogic sleep, is an ancient method of meditation that triggers a state of deep relaxation, allowing us to access the deep recesses of our unconscious minds. In this state of awareness, our blood pressure stabilizes, our immune system grows stronger, and our brain waves balance.
Not only does this make us healthier and calmer, but it also enables us to tap into the creative and intuitive processes that enrich our lives. Deep relaxation also makes it easier for us to change negative thought patterns and addictions by bypassing the conscious thinking processes that keep us stuck.
Scientific Research
Scientists now use encephalograms, or EEGs, to monitor and record the activity of the brain during meditation. After a short time in a relaxed state, the right and left hemispheres of the brain operate in sync, the production of good hormones increases, and the levels of stress hormones go down.
Practicing Deep Relaxation
This rewarding practice is most effective after a Yoga training session and often consists of a progressive body meditation led by a teacher. At home, students may use recordings or autosuggestions. Usually, a guided relaxation leads the mind through each area of the body until there is total relaxation, from the head to the toes.
It is in this state of mind that subconscious thoughts begin to flow, practitioners are open to healing suggestions, and emotional, muscular and mental tensions are released. According to Yoga instructors, one hour of nidra can be as refreshing as four hours of normal sleep.
Other Benefits of Deep Relaxation
• Makes learning easier
• Increases work productivity
• Improves sleep patterns
• Helps to relieve symptoms of illnesses like depression, asthma and migraines
• Flushes toxins from the body
• Creates awareness of the physical body and chakra system
• Lightens coronary workload
• Encourages positive thinking and motivation
• Releases blocked energy and restores prana
• Increases intuitive or psychic abilities
The potential for healing and growth lies within each of us, waiting to be developed. Yoga Nidra is not only a complement to a normal Yoga routine; it is also a tool for transforming our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies.
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Guided relaxation leads the mind through each area of the body until there is total relaxation, from the head to the toes. Thank you Kimaya Singh for writing this good article.
Deep Yogic sleep or Yoga Nidra, is an ancient method of meditation that triggers a state of deep relaxation and allow us to access the deep recesses of our unconscious minds. Thanks for this good article.