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What happens in the brain when in a Nidra state?
Over the course of falling asleep, brain waves move from the active, thoughtful beta waves (14-40 Hz), then pass through the relaxed, thoughtless state of alpha waves (9-13 Hz), and enter the slowest frequency of deep sleep, delta waves (1-3 Hz).
Yoga Nidra guides practitioners into the “hypnagogic state”—the threshold between alpha and theta waves—the knife’s edge where the body “sleeps” while the mind is lucid.
It’s NOT Hypnosis
This passive / active state allows access to the subconscious memory and repressed experiences—unlike hypnosis where the person is totally inert.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, who pioneered the Nidra practice in the early 1950s from ancient Tantric texts, calls it “reaching the border between waking and sleeping states“ (Western medicine calls it the confluence of alpha and delta brainwaves). He also describes the state of Nidra as a point beyond the personality, where the logical, analytical aspect of the mind is suspended.
Benefits - How does Yoga Nidra Help?
Backed by extensive research, Nidra can help people navigate all of life's challenges and enhance one's sense of well being and peace.
The following are only a few benefits (feel free to google to see all the many benefits of Nidra):
Cope with Daily Stress
Resolve Trauma
Decrease Depression & Anxiety
Relieve Chronic Pain
Improve Sleep
Awaken to Your True Nature