Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning "science of life." Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine widely practiced in India. Yoga nidra is an ancient yogic practice of meditation. Practicing yoga nidra can balance your doshas, or life energies. When practicing alternative medicine, such as Ayurveda, consult your doctor first.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda was first recorded in the Vedas, an ancient Indian text, over 5,000 years ago. The natural healing system of Ayurveda teaches that the body is made up of three life energies, or doshas, known as kapha, pitta, and vata. Balancing the doshas is essential for a happy and healthy life. When the doshas are imbalanced, ailments and disease can occur. With dietary changes, herbal remedies and yoga, balance can be brought back to the system.
Yoga Nidra
The origins of yoga nidra can be traced back to ancient Eastern teachings of yoga and tantra.The techniques practiced in yoga nidra, also referred to as yogic sleep, guide you to deep relaxation. Yoga nidra can be performed while sitting or laying down. You are then guided through a series of relaxation techniques that include breathing and visualization. With the regular practice of yoga nidra, you may overcome fear, anxiety, insomnia, stress, anger and depression.
Gentle Balance
Practicing yoga nidra to balance your doshas is a gentle, progressive way to introduce a stressed system to relaxation. If you have been experiencing high stress levels for an extended period of time, yoga nidra will gradually release layers of tension.
Yoga Nidra for the Doshas
Each of the three doshas, kapha, pitta and vata, can benefit from yoga nidra in different ways. Those with a kapha imbalance tend to have attachment issues and yoga nidra can help them develop a wider and more realistic perspective. Pitta imbalance brings anger and agitation, but a yoga nidra practice can help calm the fiery nature of this dosha. Yoga nidra can help vata people find relief from fear and anxiety often experienced with this dosha imbalance.
References
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad, 1984
- "Yoga Nidra: The Meditative Heart of Yoga"; Richard Miller, Ph.D., 2005
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy"; Mukunda Stiles, 2007
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