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Healing our Nervous System with the Holistic Approach of Yoga Nidra


lady resting in shavasana
Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation

Yoga Nidra supports healing from PTSD, anxiety, and helps reset the nervous system. For those seeking alternative methods to manage stress and anxiety. Yoga Nidra provides an in-depth approach to emotional healing and self-discovery, perfect for those ready to embark on a deeper journey within themselves.


Ultimately, this practice harnesses the body’s natural ability to heal, equipping individuals with valuable tools to tackle the challenges posed by PTSD and anxiety. Yoga Nidra can lead to transformative experiences that reset the nervous system and cultivate lasting peace and well-being.


Understanding Yoga Nidra's Healing Approach


Yoga Nidra, often called "yogic sleep," places individuals in a state of consciousness that lies between waking and sleeping. During a session, individuals experience a series of body scans and visualizations that help release tension and promote profound relaxation. The process quiets both the mind and body, leading to a deeply restorative experience.


ancient artwork of Lord Vishnu
Yoga Nidra Vishnu

Rich in yoga philosophy, Yoga Nidra incorporates meditation elements, making it a holistic approach to physical and mental wellness. Studies suggest that participants can achieve up to 80% reduction in stress hormone levels after regular sessions.


A single 10 minutes session is equivalent to 40 minutes of deep, relaxation and cellular healing. This embodied focused Yoga Nidra offers a profound connection with your body, mind and soul through deep relaxation


Technique

These sessions can be as short at 15 minutes and last longer, between 30 minutes and an hour. Participants are guided through the practice, which includes lying down and engaging in visualizations.


State of Consciousness

This practice induces a dreamlike state where the body is deeply relaxed while the mind remains awake, allowing for significant insights and emotional release.


Audience and Accessibility

This method is suited for those willing to dedicate time to a longer, immersive experience. It is often practiced in group settings or with guidance, but recorded options are also available.


deep relaxation
group of military personnel laying in shavasana

Healing Benefits of Yoga Nidra for PTSD and Anxiety


Yoga Nidra provides unique advantages for individuals experiencing PTSD and anxiety.


  1. Emotional Healing: This profound relaxation allows individuals to gently process traumatic emotions. Studies have indicated that individuals practicing Yoga Nidra saw a 40% decrease in symptoms of PTSD after several weeks of practice.


  2. Self-awareness: The practice promotes introspection, helping individuals connect their thoughts and feelings to their trauma, fostering empowerment. Participants often report improved self-awareness as a life-changing benefit.


  3. Restorative Effects: Longer Yoga Nidra sessions promote deep relaxation that supports the body’s healing processes. This can lead to longer-lasting effects, such as improved sleep quality, with many receiving up to 25% better rest after multiple sessions.


firefighter sitting next to firetruck
First Responder decompressing

How Yoga Nidra Helps Reset the Nervous System

Yoga Nidra is instrumental in resetting the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, known for promoting relaxation and recovery.


  1. Decreasing Cortisol Levels: Regular practice can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, breaking the recurring cycle of stress and anxiety.


  2. Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Both techniques teach participants to observe their emotions, improving emotional regulation and reducing the likelihood of excessive stress reactions.


  3. Promoting Sleep Quality: Engaging in either practice enhances sleep quality. Participants learn to relax their minds and bodies, creating a more conducive environment for restorative sleep.


    woman sleeping
    Deep Sleep, an accumulative benefit of Yoga Nidra

Embracing Relaxation Techniques to promote trauma release

In summary, Nonsleep Deep Relaxation (NSDR) and Yoga Nidra each offer distinct yet complementary paths to healing and relaxation. Understanding their differences can guide individuals in selecting the technique that aligns best with their lifestyle and needs.




We are back on track with building our podcast library. We've heard your requests and will be including meditation and pranayama practice, sanskrit chanting guidance session and a deep dives into the other holistic modalities; trauma release, ESR, energy cultivation, journaling and more versions with specific interests for recorded yoga nidra sessions.


Best Regards,

Polly Behringer


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