Yoga Nidra for Health, Healing and Wholeness 

Yoga Nidra for Health, Healing and Wholeness 

by Anne Douglas

Yoga Studio’s and Meditation Halls are abuzz with conversation about the healing power of yoga and meditation practices, as more and more research accumulates and is shared through mainstream media.  It seems barely a week goes by before I find another study being published or quoted.  While one can walk away from a yoga or meditation practice feeling more calm, less stressed and more balanced, it can be highly motivating to commit to a regular practice when studies continue to show their efficacy with specific conditions such as chronic stress, high blood pressure, immune dysfunction, addiction, anxiety, depression and more.  One need only do a quick Google search to find a myriad of relevant studies.

iRest Yoga Nidra is an excellent case in point.  It is a research-based, trauma sensitive meditation, relaxation, and healing protocol that deeply calms the nervous system, supports the integration of negative emotions and thoughts, and helps to build resilience with everyday challenges.  Current research shows that iRest Yoga Nidra effectively reduces stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, chemical dependency and post-traumatic stress.  If you would like to see examples of the current research on iRest, follow this link; https://www.irest.us/research  The Integrative Restoration Institute, a non-profit organization that generates iRest research, is often engaging new studies.

Not all forms of yoga nidra are created equal.  iRest has taken the basic structure of Yoga Nidra and enhanced it by adding several therapeutic steps to heighten it’s effectiveness for our western lifestyle and world view.  Much of the research that has been done on Yoga Nidra in the west, is on the iRest Protocol, specifically.  It is an excellent personal practice as well as adjunctive practice for those in the health and healing professions.

It is currently being utilized in yoga and meditation studio’s, hospitals and clinics, hospice, homeless shelters, community programs, military settings and schools.

The efficacy of the iRest practice comes from the unique 10 Step Protocol that elicits a profound depth of relaxation and brain wave states that evoke relaxation and rejuvenation.

iRest is also a path of meditative self inquiry.  At a basic level, it provides the initial building blocks for a mindfulness practice in which one learns to stay present and alert.  At an intermediate level, one learns how to meet challenging experiences, emotions or beliefs in order to integrate and go beyond them.  At the highest level, iRest offers the teachings of the “end path” of direct realization into one’s true nature as abiding peace, infinite calm, and interconnected wholeness.

If you would like to learn more about iRest Yoga Nidra, Yoga for Today is hosting a iRest Level I Training from May 1-5, 2018, for both personal and professional development.  For more details or to register

Anne Douglas is a Senior Trainer for the iRest Institute and the creator of the iRest Daily Meditation Program.  She has been teaching yoga and meditation for over 30 years and has a thriving yoga therapy practice in which iRest is the primary resource.