- An ancient meditation technique
- Works by taking you to brainwave states similar to those in sleep, which makes it easier to disengage from thoughts.
- Different from seated meditation
- Composed of a series of body, breath, and awareness techniques designed to effortlessly guide you into a state of complete non-doing
If you would like to find out more about Yoga Nidra, give ZenLife Center for Healing a call today or contact us!
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Yoga has been proven to provide benefits to a person’s physical and spiritual health over the centuries. Yoga Nidra is a type of yoga that offers deep relaxation and peace to those who practice regularly. Let’s explore the history of yoga Nidra and how it has evolved to be what it is today. Here at Zenlife Center for Healing, we’re focused on promoting a person’s physical and spiritual health, and yoga Nidra is an excellent way to improve them.
History and Origins
Yoga Nidra can also be called “effortless relaxation” or “yogic sleep.” The practice originated in India but can be traced back to 1000 BC when it was verbally taught. Teachings were first written down around 700 BC, and the practice continues to evolve. This healing practice allows you to rest in a conscious state between wakefulness and sleep, entering a deep state of awareness and relaxation. People who practice yoga Nidra can welcome all that is present, giving them a sense of well-being and peace. Over the centuries, the teachings evolved through the non-dualist philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the Tantric teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Today, clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Miller has designed the iRest system, which is used for therapeutic medicine in places like hospitals, clinics for veterans, and even prisons.
Philosophy and Principles
Originally, the philosophy of yoga Nidra began with Sankhya’s dualist philosophy. These teachings explained the difference between the witness (Purusha) and what we witness (Prakriti). These teachings include thoughts, objects, feelings, and other beings. According to Sankhya, the key to happiness lies in our awareness of this dualism, or separateness.
Much later, the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the Tantric teachings of Kashmir Shaivism explained that the objects we experience are a projection of what we are witnessing, thus meaning we are connected to them. This philosophy indicates that there isn’t separateness, making these philosophies not dualist.
The Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has been proven to provide many health benefits for those who practice regularly, and there is no need for any prior yoga experience to participate. As you continue to practice yoga, Nidra, it will become much easier, and you’ll experience more health benefits as you continue.
Some of the health benefits that are experienced from practicing yoga Nidra include:
- A release of negative emotions and negative thought patterns
- A calming of the nervous system
- The development of an inner resource that can meet and help you through any circumstances you may face
Additionally, the iRest system has been highly successful at helping war veterans with PTSD, people with addiction problems, and people with certain physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Richard Miller’s iRest system has gained much praise from the scientific research community, showing promising results that the system lessens the discomfort from certain conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic Pain
- Chemical Dependency
- PTSD
Yoga Nidra classes are beneficial for people who have trouble letting go during meditation to benefit from the full effects of the practice.
Yoga Nidra Practice Today in Queen Creek
Yoga Nidra class is a peaceful and powerful practice that provides many health benefits to those who practice regularly. It’s rich in historical and cultural significance and has provided a deep sense of relaxation for those who have practiced over the last several centuries. Your physical and spiritual health are important to us at ZenLife Center for Healing. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about yoga Nidra today.