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:
- The recommended body position is lying down which can make it more accessible than a seated meditation.
- The practice is guided with clear instructions.
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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