Yoga Nidra Decoded: The Science Behind It – Blog
Yogic sleep, or Yoga Nidra, is the deep state of relaxation that comes with the regular and powerful practice of meditation teaches by us in every Yoga Teacher Training and retreat course . But why is it so powerful, and it is scientifically proven, that it is the best medicine? What are the reasons behind it? Let’s decode the Yoga Nidra.
This relaxation state helps in managing awareness and consciousness. Although it looks like a still state, this state helps in restoring and activating the physiological and neurological processes in the body. Yoga Nidra is the art of creating a proper balance between subconscious healing and your physical efforts. It is more than just a relaxation process; it helps in overall well-being by healing and relaxing the body, mind, and soul. For all mental issues such as stress, tension, depression, anxiety, and worries, this yogic exercise acts as a natural medicine. Yoga Nidra helps restore peace, balance, and vitality.
A person having difficulty sleeping, fatigue, emotional exhaustion, etc, can practice Yoga Nidra as a powerful tool for an overhaul. You can unlock the true potential and power inside yourself through this ancient wisdom. These practices are known for their powers of rejuvenation that help in providing mental stability and calmness. In this article, we will explore the science associated with Yoga Nidra and the reasons for its effective workings.
What Is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, or Yogic sleep, is the most powerful and deep state of meditation and relaxation. In this state, a person lies on the ground in the corpse pose or Shavasana and follows the given instructions. Nidra, however, means sleeping, but in yoga, Nidra is not about the body sleeping, and the mind remains active. While your body relaxes, your mind still functions properly and keeps your organs and mechanisms working properly for rejuvenation.
The benefits of Yoga Nidra include
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Decrease anxiety and stress levels
- Enhance speedy recovery or healing
- Supports the process of emotional balance
Effect of Yoga Nidra(Yogic Sleep) on The Brain
Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Through breathing and relaxation of muscles, this yoga exercise helps in the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. It affects the digestive and rest modes. It is good for managing a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. Yoga Nidra slows the breathing process
and improves digestion. It helps in improving the digestive system and lowers breathing. Also, the hormones responsible for relaxation, such as melatonin and serotonin, are released during this process. Yoga Nidra supports overall healing and reduces stress and depression.
Balancing Both Sides of the Brain
It helps in creating a proper balance in the brain and both sides. The left one, which is logical, and the right one, which is creative, is properly synchronized with this process that helps in enhancing creativity, emotional health, and mental clarity.
Shifting Brainwave States
The shift in brainwave activity is the most important benefit of Yoga Nidra. In yoga nidra, the human body enters a deep state of relaxation while the mind remains fully conscious and aware. It is used for natural healing, as while performing yoga nidra, the human brain travels through various states, such as:
- Beta waves include alert and waking consciousness.
- Alpha waves include a relaxed state and daydreaming
- Theta waves include deep relaxation, creativity, and memory access
- Delta waves include deep sleep and healing
Yoga Nidra and the Endocrine System
During Yoga Nidra, the pineal gland of a person becomes active. This is the gland that secretes melatonin hormones, which regulate immune function, sleep, and mood of a person. It also affects the pituitary glands and hypothalamus. These glands regulate hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that link with the energy level and stress of a person.
Why Yoga Nidra Works?
During Yoga Nidra, a continuous healing process takes place with the mental awareness and body at rest. It renders the state that promotes physical restoration, emotional release, and mental clarity. It works because:
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Gently guides into a deeper meditative state
- Reduce stress
- Balances hormones
- Increase emotional and mental awareness
- Stimulates the function of the brain
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