About Yoga Nidra

While the stress response is automatic, the relaxation response is not. Two strategies for how you can induce a more relaxed state and deal with the effects of stress include participating in deep relaxation sessions (yoga nidra) and learning the relaxation response. For general wellbeing, stress-reduction and healing.

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Yoga nidra (YN) is a practice of guided relaxation. This ancient yogic practice induces a state of deep relaxation and is regarded as ‘sleep with awareness’: the body sleeps but the mind stays aware.

Alpha brain wave activity, in particular, is increased, and overall brain wave patterns achieve a state of balance. In this deeply relaxed state the body and mind naturally heal. Physical, emotional and mental tension is released while the whole system rejuvenates.

It is said that an hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to four hours of sleep. Yoga nidra can also be used to bring about personal change and manifest new directions in one’s life. This is achieved through reinforcing a personal resolve or intention (called a sankalpa) during the practice.

Try a free, short relaxation practice today.

Benefits:

Beneficial from the first session, but the effects are cumulative. Many people experience:

• improved sleep

• relief from stress and anxiety

• a general sense of wellbeing and vitality

Process:
Participants lie comfortably, but completely, still. The facilitator verbally guides them through a series of mental steps. Lying on the back is preferred, but a seated or lying-on-the-side position can be used if lying supine is not possible, uncomfortable, or for pregnant women.

Sessions:

Group: one hour. In-person sessions begin with 15 minutes of gentle yoga postures and/or breathing techniques, followed by the YN session for 40 minutes. Participants bring their own mats, blankets and cushions. With online sessions there are no pre-relaxation postures, and we dive right into the relaxation.

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Individual: one hour YN only, or 30 minutes add-on after individual Supervision or logotherapy session (no pre-relaxation postures)

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Cost (NZD):

Group sessions: $20 per person

Individual sessions: $50 for one hour, $25 for 30 min add-on session after Supervision or Logotherapy​​​

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Learn more

​Nerine’s yoga nidra sessions online

​Yoga nidra article, Good Health magazine (Nerine interviewed)​

Dr Herbert Benson's Relaxtion Response

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