Yoganidrasana - the sleeping pose of the yogiYoganidrasana is an advanced asana, also known as the yogi's sleeping pose or yoga sleep. It is one of the most meditative asanas because it helps the mind to turn inward. Just ten minutes are enough for this. The asana is a deep relaxation for the body and mind. Below you'll learn what other positive effects you can achieve with the sleeping pose, how to perform the yoga exercise, and what to keep in mind.
What is Yoganidrasana?
The asana is composed of the following words: Yoga stands for harmony, Nidra for sleep, and Asana means pose or posture. Together, this creates the Yoga Sleep Posture. Yoga Nidra is one of the 84 core asanas and can be practiced after the double forward bend, Paschimothanasana. You can also progress to Purvotthasana, the inclined plane, or Bhujangasana (Cobra) . The forward bend is advanced and energetically powerful. No previous experience is required for Yoga Nidra. Anyone can perform the asana.
How is Yoganidrasana performed?
The starting position for the Yogi's Sleeping Pose (Shavasana) is lying on your back. Bring one foot behind your head and tuck your toes in for stability. Then bring the other foot behind your head and hook it into the other foot. For the passive position, place your hands in front of your chest. You can also cross your arms behind your back. The stretch can be increased by straightening your legs. Then, place your hands on your buttocks and press further into Yoganidrasana. Then, carefully return to the supine position. Be mindful of the sensation.
What spiritual effects can you achieve?
The effects of Yoganidrasana are similar to those of Kurmasana . The so-called tortoise pose is easier for some people. The Yogi's Sleeping Pose primarily promotes inner peace and allows the various senses and mind to withdraw inward. This is especially true if Yoganidrasana is held for at least four to ten minutes. If you devote yourself fully to the exercise and perform it correctly, you will feel rested, fresh, and relaxed afterwards. During the yoga exercise, your body and mind oscillate between relaxation and a twilight sleep. This can provide you with a great source of energy and inspiration. The Yogi's Sleeping Pose is also a good preparatory exercise for meditation.
In which situations is the use of Yoganidrasana recommended?
- Coping with stress or burnout
- Nervousness and inner restlessness
- Difficult life situations
What positive effects on the body can you achieve through Yoganidrasana?
You can also achieve various positive physical effects with this sleeping pose. It can strengthen your immune system and balance your digestion. The abdominal organs, especially the stomach, pancreas, and liver, can benefit from these positive effects. This asana also increases leg flexibility. On a muscular level, it also increases the flexibility of your back, pelvis, and buttocks. The following muscles are stretched: the calf muscles, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and back extensors. Yoganidrasana activates all the chakras in the spine.
Conclusion
This was all about Yoganidrasana, the sleeping pose of yogis. Since not everyone can master this yoga exercise right away, you can start with other preliminary exercises and simpler variations until you've mastered the asana. These include, for example, the Sleeping Turtle Pose (Kurmasana) or Eka Pada Shirasana, where you place your foot behind your head while sitting. You can achieve diverse and lasting effects with Yoganidrasana. This applies to both the body and mind.
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