Highlights
- Yoga nidra is an ancient practice originating in India
- It is a conscious state that resides between wakefulness and sleep, allowing a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing
- The technique is reportedly useful for people suffering sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression
When the digital world can interrupt at any moment, it's not a surprise that many of us struggle with sleep and stress. Studies suggest that one way to approach stress management is through conscious relaxation.
As awareness grows of the potential benefits of meditation, the Great Minds podcast from SBS explores different mindfulness and meditation techniques from around the world.
Yoga nidra is the focus of the first episodes of the series. It is a technique in which the body settles into deep relaxation, to help create a conversation between the conscious and unconscious mind.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit word nidra, meaning sleep.
Originating in India, the practice was developed thousands of years ago. An early reference to the term can be found in the sacred Hindu treatises the Upanishads.
This technique has spread worldwide, even being used by the US Army to assist soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. You may have had a short taste at the end of some yoga classes.
It is suggested the practise can deliver benefits equivalent to three hours of deep sleep in 30 minutes.
How is yoga nidra practised?
Also known as 'psychic sleep', yoga nidra can be thought of as a way to prepare for meditation. It is practised lying down and may lead you to drift in and out of sleep.
This technique is based on rotating awareness, in which the focus of awareness is brought to a particular part of the body at a time.
You can begin your practice with this Yoga Nidra meditation, led by Sagar, a Melbourne-based Hatha Yoga teacher who's been practising yoga for over 30 years.
Yoga and meditation
The origins of yoga can be traced to northern India more than 5,000 years ago. The word 'yoga' originates from the Sanskrit word 'yuj', which means 'union', connecting the body, breath, mind and spirit.
Basic yoga practices include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudras (gestures that represent psyche), bandhas (locks for channelling energy) and shatkarmas (cleansing practices).
These techniques prepare the ground for the higher practice of dhyana (meditation).
