What is Yoga Nidra?

Many people are looking to calm their minds and center themselves. So, exploring ancient techniques such as meditation and yoga is natural.

There is an age old practice called Yoga Nidra which is a type of combination of meditation and yoga.

For a more complete answer to the question What is Yoga Nidra? see below..

Here’s what the NCBI says about the pose;

Yoga Nidra, also known as ‘yogic sleep’, is an ancient tantric relaxation technique.

The simplest explanation for what this is would be this – it’s a yogic or energy practice which combines mental imagery with a yoga relaxation pose called “Corpse Pose” or Shavasana.

Ultimately, the goal of Yoga Nidra is to promote a profound state of relaxation.

It is a form of meditation where the brain waves slow to the the state of Theta waves while the individual is still awake. Although in a horizontal position, the ‘corpse pose’ enhances awareness once the individual comes back up to waking consciousness.

Yoga Nidra differs from sleep because the individual is still aware of their surroundings.

While this practice has been around since ancient times, it was not until the 1960s that an organized system was introduced to the public.

This was done through the writings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

See his quote below…

“When awareness is separate and distinct from mental activity,

when waking, dream and deep sleep pass like clouds,

yet awareness of Self remains,

this is the experience of total relaxation…

That is why, in tantra,

yoga nidra is said to be the doorway to Samadhi.”

– Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Unlike other schools of yoga, which emphasize concentration or contemplation, Yoga Nidra’s goal is complete relaxation.

As such, Yoga Nidra is suitable for all individuals. Whether beginner or advanced practitioners of yoga. Young or old.

The calm inner stillness induced by Yoga Nidra is said to be an effective stress management tool.

As well as a means for attaining a greater sense of self awareness and creative problem solving.

Additionally, it’s said to promote positive changes in physiological and mental health.

The following review summarizes the basic steps used to achieve the final state of Yoga Nidra relaxation.

Additionally, it goes into recent experimental findings regarding its physiological and psychological effects.

Directly from the NCBI on what is Yoga Nidra;

“Standard research databases were searched for relevant articles. Clinical studies have shown that Yoga Nidra meditation is associated with positive physiological changes. Including improvements in several hematological variables, red blood cell counts, blood glucose levels, and hormonal status.

Two neural imaging studies have shown that Yoga Nidra produces changes in endogenous dopamine release and cerebral blood flow. A further confirmation that its effects on the CNS (central nervous system) are objectively measurable.

The practice has also been shown to reduce psychometrically measured indices of mild depression and anxiety. Although these benefits were not shown in an experimental study to extend to severe depression or severe anxiety.”

I would say these are impressive quantitive results on what is Yoga Nidra.

Wikipedia says that Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep can be brought about by a guided meditation. Especially, while in ‘corpse pose’.

Yoga nidra is linked to meditation in Shaiva and Buddhist tantras, while some ancient hatha yoga texts use Yoga Nidra as a synonym for the deep meditative state of samadhi.

The modern use of Yoga Nidra was made widely known by Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, and then by Swami Rama, Richard Miller, and others has spread worldwide.

Although, the continued use of the modern form of this technique, was apparently pioneered by Dennis Boyes in 1973.

Boyes was working with his East Indian swami through the 1960s and developed this position as part of his inspired practice.

Interesting tidbit…

It is applied by the U.S. Army to assist soldiers recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder or what is commonly known as PTSD.

Unfortunately, there is limited scientific evidence about this technique and how it helps to relieve stress. As with any type of science that is subjective in nature, the results can never be considered conclusive.