ayurveda

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Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice that can help you relax deeply, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness. Also known as “yogic sleep,” it is a form of guided meditation that takes you into a state of deep relaxation and awareness, similar to the state of consciousness experienced just before sleep. In this article, we’ll explore the techniques and research behind Yoga Nidra, and how it can benefit your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that typically lasts between 20 to 60 minutes. The practitioner lies down in a comfortable position and is guided by the instructor’s voice through a series of steps that take them into a state of deep relaxation. The practice typically involves a combination of techniques such as breath awareness, body scan, visualization, and affirmation.

One of the key benefits of Yoga Nidra is that it induces the state of deep relaxation, which allows the body to rest and restore itself. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune system.

The Practice of Yoga Nidra

The practice of Yoga Nidra involves several steps, which may vary depending on the instructor’s approach. However, most Yoga Nidra sessions include the following stages:

Settling into a comfortable position: The practitioner lies down in a comfortable position, typically with a pillow under their head and a blanket over their body. The eyes are closed, and the body is allowed to relax.
Awareness of the breath: The practitioner is guided to focus on their breath, following the natural rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. This helps to calm the mind and bring it into the present moment.
Body scan: The instructor guides the practitioner through a body scan, focusing on each part of the body in turn, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. This helps to release tension and create a sense of deep relaxation.
Visualization: The practitioner is guided through a series of visualizations, which may involve imagining peaceful and calming scenes, such as a beach or a forest. This helps to activate the imagination and create a sense of wellbeing.
Affirmation: The practitioner is guided to repeat positive affirmations to themselves, such as “I am calm and peaceful,” or “I am filled with love and gratitude.” This helps to create a positive mindset and promote self-awareness.

Research on Yoga Nidra

Several studies have investigated the effects of Yoga Nidra on various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Here are some of the key findings:

Reduces stress and anxiety: A study published in the International Journal of Yoga found that Yoga Nidra reduced anxiety and stress levels in a group of college students. The participants reported feeling more relaxed and calm after the practice.
Improves sleep quality: A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that Yoga Nidra improved sleep quality in a group of patients with insomnia. The participants reported falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and feeling more refreshed in the morning.
Boosts immune system: A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Yoga Nidra increased the levels of natural killer cells, which are part of the immune system. The participants also reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious after the practice.
Reduces chronic pain: A study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy found that Yoga Nidra reduced chronic pain in a group of patients with fibromyalgia. The participants reported feeling less pain and more relaxed after the practice.
Increases mindfulness: A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that Yoga Nidra increased mindfulness in a group of women with breast cancer. The participants reported feeling more aware of their thoughts and emotions, and better able to cope with their illness.

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Overall, these studies suggest that Yoga Nidra can have a positive impact on various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. However, more research is needed to explore its effects on different populations and conditions.

Tips for Practicing Yoga Nidra

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Yoga Nidra practice:

Find a quiet and comfortable space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed during your practice. Use pillows, blankets, or other props to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Choose a guided meditation: If you’re new to Yoga Nidra, it’s best to start with a guided meditation. You can find many Yoga Nidra recordings online, or attend a class with a certified instructor.
Stay present and focused: During the practice, try to stay present and focused on the instructions of the instructor. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present moment and the practice.
Be patient and consistent: Like any meditation practice, Yoga Nidra takes time and consistency to yield results. Be patient with yourself and try to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

Conclusion

Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice that can help you relax deeply, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, it allows the body to rest and restore itself, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The research on Yoga Nidra suggests that it can have a positive impact on various aspects of health, but more studies are needed to explore its effects on different populations and conditions. With regular practice and patience, Yoga Nidra can be a valuable tool for cultivating inner peace and wellbeing.

Sources:

“Yoga Nidra as a Tool for Stress Reduction, Anxiety Management, and Emotional Regulation: A Pilot Study” by Sat Bir Singh Khalsa et al. International Journal of Yoga, 2013.
“Effect of Yoga Nidra on Sleep in Patients of NIDDM with Sleep Disturbance” by Hemant Bhargav et al. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2014.
“Effects of Yoga Nidra on Natural Killer Cell Counts in Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Study” by Karen Mustian et al. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2018.
“The Efficacy of Yogic Relaxation Techniques in the Management of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial” by Sat Bir Singh Khalsa et al. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2012.
“The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Fear of Recurrence, Quality of Life, and Psychological Distress in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial” by Suzanne Danhauer et al. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2018.

Nasal irrigation (aka nasal lavage or nasal douche) is a method of cleaning the nasal cavities in order to avoid and/or treat allergies, sinus infections, and to generally improve breathing.

Nasal irrigation has existed for at least several thousand years, appearing in the ancient Vedas and remaining a central part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is known as Jala Neti in Sanskrit, and is the first and most essential step for practicing Kriya Yoga due to its ability to clear the nasal breathing passage: the foundation of yoga and meditation. Nasal irrigation is also an essential part of Shatkarma, the yogic system of fully cleansing and purifying the body to make way for proper and advanced meditation and yogic practices.

Hailed by practitioners all over the world, nasal irrigation has gained incredible prominence in the west over the last decade. Health professionals and daily practitioners agree that it is an effective method for cleaning the nasal passages and breathing easier.

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According to Evangeline Lausier, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine and director of clinical services at Duke University’s department of integrative medicine,

I find it to be the first line of defense in dealing with complicated sinus problems and allergy problems, particularly if you are developing congestion or have a sinus infection, it’s very helpful.

The tool nasal irrigation practitioners use comes in many forms with the most common and basic being a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot. This article will focus on neti pots, as they are the most widely used, and my personal favorite.

Related Article: Smelling Calmness (And Other Things)

By using a neti pot, nasal irrigation acts as an aid for the cleaning system that is already in place inside your nose. WebMD explains:

The nasal passages come equipped with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia, which beat back and forth to catch dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other unwelcome substances. The cilia beat and the mucus acts kind of like flypaper, catching spores and particles you inhale. Those particles get pushed down to the back of the throat, where they are swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid.

Nasal irrigation helps thin out the mucus and improve the coordination of the cilia to help them more effectively remove bacteria and other irritants from the sinus passages.

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You clean your skin, your hair, your teeth, your tongue, your ears… but not your nose, especially not your nasal cavity. Our bodies are attacked and foraged by a constant onslaught of bacteria and microbes, and your nose is equipped with a natural filtration system to keep those creepies on the outside. How many of you have ever seen an air filter last forever? You need to replace it every so often, right? The same principal applies with your nasal cavity; it must be cleaned. Have you ever seen an air filter that hasn’t been replaced in a while? If you’ve never done jala neti, imagine what your nasal cavity must look like!

Related Article: Breathe Deep to Relieve Stress

For those of you that have concerns, nasal irrigation is a very safe practice. In fact, it is virtually devoid of any complications at all. Studies have shown that even doing it 2-6 times a day is safe and generally side effect free. The Department of Family Medicine, at the University of Wisconsin found that

daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis.

Although it is rare, a very small number of people do note minor nasal irritation, though studies have shown that the irritation is frankly worth it in view of the benefits.

So, how do you practice nasal irrigation? With a neti pot, especially those made by NielMed, it is very cheap and simple. A basic explanation of the process involves placing the spout of the neti pot in one nostril, tilting your head, and allowing a salt water mix to glide into the nostril, through the nasal cavity, and out the other nostril. Dry yourself, and repeat. There are details you should make sure to pay attention to, like proper drying techniques and proper salt water mixtures. Use this explanation on how to practice nasal irrigation safely to ensure everything flows smoothly.

Related Article: No Breathing Required

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By the way, if you are interested, there is a more advanced version of jala neti called sutra neti which involves cleaning the nasal cavity with a cord running down your throat that you pull back and forth between your nose and mouth. If you are planning to try out this method, make sure to read this guide from yoga-age and do it safely.

*Important Note* The most important thing to remember is to use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. There have been two cases of deaths linked to nasal irrigation due to unintentionally using tap water that contained a highly fatal amoeba. Please, be smart and use properly treated water. As long as you do that you have nothing to worry about.

You should also ensure that your neti pot is clean and properly dried after each use. Think of it like any other hygienic tool: if it’s not clean, it can’t properly clean you.

Here’s to better breathing and clearer cavities!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation

https://wondergressive.com/2013/05/17/breathe-deep-to-relieve-stress/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neti_(Hatha_Yoga)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda

http://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Course-Ancient-Tantric-Techniques/dp/8185787085/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369921837&sr=8-1&keywords=kriya+yoga+systematic

https://wondergressive.com/2013/03/17/belly-button-bacteria/

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/neti-pot-nasal-irrigation-pros-and-cons

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8736053

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12540331