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Yoga Nidra: a guided meditation for non-sleep deep rest

🪷Origin

An Indian Swami from the Bihar School of Yoga in India developed this from the ancient tantric technique of Nyasa in the 1960’s. He discovered knowledge gained from senses and without a sensory medium allows access to the mind in a deep state of potentiality.


😴 Definition

Guided yogic meditation technique of deep relaxation that probes inwards and develops inner awareness. State of dynamic or psychic “ yogic sleep”. It is the Fifth Limb of Yoga: Pratyahara - translated as withdrawal of the mind from the senses.


🧠 How It Works

Releases physical (muscular) and mental (emotional) tension by entering state between wakefulness and deep sleep called hypnagogic state. By minimizing sensory input, it releases emotional content held in limbic system, memories, subconscious thoughts, and self-limiting beliefs.


🛌🏽 Preparation for Practice

Traditionally done resting in shavasana (corpse pose) but can be done seated if unable to lie down. Approximately 30 mins for 8 stages but 4 essential stages can be done in 20 minutes for a shorter practice.


😌 Benefits

Improves sleep, 1 hour of yoga nidra = 4 hours of sleep

Regulates energy, increases productivity

Improves physical health, balances nervous system

Decreases sensory perception of pain

Enhances intuition and self-awareness

Enhances focus, concentration, memory retention

Reduces stress and negative emotions

Deepens will power

Reshapes personality, transforms behavior

Mental purification from negative thought patterns

Restructures brain, reorganizes mind and mental pathways


📝 Research shows it is helpful for pain, insomnia, anxiety, heart disease,

drug addiction, and especially during pregnancy for relaxed birth.


🔗 Links


Resource: Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, published by Bihar School of Yoga in 1976.

Š 2014 - 2016 created by Anisha Durve, www.Anisha.Guru

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