5 Kosha Yoga Nidra

As an iRest teacher and a yoga therapist, I use different types and different lengths of Yoga Nidra with my clients depending on their needs.

Yoga Nidra is becoming a popular practice because:

  1. The recommended body position is lying down which can make it more accessible than a seated meditation.
  2. The practice is guided with clear instructions.
  3. It can help lower stress levels by initiating a parasympathetic relaxation response bringing the body away from the sympathetic fight or flight response.  There is also some evidence that it reduces cortisol levels
  4. It can help reduce chronic pain by bringing awareness to different areas of focus, getting energy moving throughout the body, and helping the mind to be still.
  5. It aids in helping the body recover from illness or injury by bringing the brain into healing brain wave patterns (deep sleep of theta and delta).
  6. It can help with mental health by shifting the structure of the brain and brain wave patterns in beneficial ways –  increasing present centered thinking and regulating GABA (reduces fear, anxiety, stress), serotonin (helps us feel calm, balanced, and focused), and melatonin levels (helps us sleep).

Today I’m sharing a 20 minute 5 Kosha Yoga Nidra. This exercise consists of moving attention from physical body, to the energetic body, to the mind body, to the intuitive body, and to the bliss body. I hope you enjoy it.

References:

Pictures of the Brain’s Activity During Yoga Nidra

A Study on the Impact on Stress and Anxiety through Yoga Nidra

iRest Yoga Nidra on the College Campus

Effectiveness of a Short Yoga Nidra Meditation on Stress, Sleep, and Well-Being