Therapeutic Applications of Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra has several applications in the management of diseases of all kinds and promises to play a far greater role in the future as its potential becomes fully recognized by doctors, psychologists, and, healers. Its value as both a curative and a palliative has been investigated in recent years in many research centers around the world, with extremely favorable results. As Yoga Nidra has been found beneficial in both acute and chronic conditions, especially in degenerative and stress-related conditions such as hypertension, coronary disease, and arthritis. Many high psychosomatic component Diseases such as asthma, peptic ulcer, and migraine headache respond favorably to yoga Nidra therapy.

Yoga Nidra also plays an important role in the fields of rehabilitation and geriatrics, where intractable pain, loss of motivation, and psychological depression pose major barriers to conventional treatment. In addition, yoga Nidra has its most widespread application as a preventive measure, to be practiced by healthy, active people as a means of relieving accumulated tensions, increasing stress resistance and overall efficiency, and preventing the development of psychosomatic diseases.

Psychological disorders

Yoga Nidra is an effective adjunct to traditional forms of psychiatric treatment, especially in cases that are unresponsive to routine psychotherapy. Those who practice yoga Nidra become their own psychotherapist, recognizing and systematically alleviating their own personal problems and interpersonal difficulties.

In yoga Nidra the subconscious mind is tapped, much as crude oil is brought to the surface of an oil well. Previously suppressed material, which is the source of psychic pain and aberrant behavior, is permitted to rise spontaneously into awareness, where it can be relieved and reintegrated into the conscious personality. The process is facilitated by the use of specific images and archetypes designed to liberate this subconscious material. Self-recognition and desensitization to painful memories follow spontaneously.

Yoga Nidra is a successful therapy for both recent and long-standing psychological disturbances of all kinds, especially high anxiety levels and neurotic behavior patterns. Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional state or condition characterized by subjective feelings of tension, apprehensiveness, and worry, and also by activation of the autonomic nervous system. The practice of yogic relaxation has been found to effectively reduce tension and improve the psychological well-being of suffers from anxiety. The autonomic symptoms of high anxiety, such as headache, giddiness, psychosomatic chest pain, palpitations, sweating, abdominal pain, and nervous diarrhea, respond exceptionally well. Even severely disturbed people can be taught to practice on their own, and to relieve mounting fear or anxiety in any setting, not only during regularly scheduled therapy sessions.

Yoga Nidra relaxation and visualization are also excellent therapeutic techniques for children with behavioral problems and maladaptive social and environmental responses. Pediatricians, child psychologists, and remedial educators are now investing in it as an exciting new adjunct or alternative to more traditional modes of treatment using drugs and psychotherapy. For example, in studies conducted in the USA and Europe, hyperactive children who were taught yoga Nidra displayed significantly decreased hyperactivity levels, improved attention span, decreased fidgeting, fewer random movements, noises, and actions, and reduced levels of skeletal muscle tension. The technique has been adapted in other spheres of child psychology, including emotional deprivation and handicap, and behavioral disturbances, with highly favorable preliminary results. Yoga Nidra is also being used in psychiatric admission units enabling patients to reduce dependency on tranquilizing and hypnotic drugs and to increase their self-reliance, thereby reducing the duration of their hospital stay. Yoga Nidra is taught to highly disturbed and depressed patients for suicide preventive measures.

Insomnia

Yoga Nidra is a successful treatment for insomnia, producing definite decreases in the time required to fall asleep. The former suffers from insomnia and practices yoga Nidra at some stage during practice. For insomnia, yoga Nidra should be adopted in conjunction with a busy daily program that included asanas and other physical activities and which excludes daytime sleeping. As competence in yoga Nidra is attained, dependency on sedative-hypnotic or barbiturate preparations diminishes, thus avoiding the dangers of long-term side effects, which include nightmares, disruption in brainwave patterns and sleep rhythms, and other nervous disturbances.

Drug addiction and alcoholism

As our today’s modern life has been filled with stresses and headaches, addiction to tobacco, alcohol and other stimulants and depressants has become a big problem. As many people tend to believe that smoking or drinking helps them to relax. However, these methods can be never satisfactory, because they fail to provide the means to relax totally and enjoy life more fully, without the side effects of drug and alcohol abuse. By reducing deep-seated conflicts and tensions, Yoga Nidra promotes a general feeling of well-being which helps to curb excessive consumption of coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol and also the management of drug abuse and addiction.

Chronic diseases

The influence of yoga Nidra on chronic degenerative diseases has been investigated in several countries. In one study conducted with patients suffering from major long-term disabilities, at the University of California Medical Centre at Davis ( USA), researchers concluded that yoga Nidra is applicable for bedridden, incapacitated, and chronically afflicted patients of all degrees. They report that yoga Nidra can improve the lives of these patients in several distinct ways:

• Relieving insomnia and sleep disturbances.
• Maintaining moderate pain outside the field of conscious awareness.
• Partially relieving feelings of despair and depression which so often complicate the outlook in chronic disease.
• Decreasing the requirements for analgesic, hypnotic and sedative drugs.

Yoga Nidra relieves pain

Yoga Nidra always relieves pain by stimulating the pituitary gland as it helps to release its own potent pain-suppressing compounds. Research studies have uncovered the existence of endogenous morphine-like brain hormones, termed endorphins and encephalins. This natural substance appears to be produced by the pituitary gland under conditions of extreme stress and prolonged, intractable pain and is secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and supports the entire central nervous system.

The isolation of these natural analgesics, whose potency far exceeds that of any synthetically produced drug, is positive proof of the concentration of the ancient yogis that the body is capable of producing its own medicine. Researchers have proposed that these substances act centrally within the brain to transform the perception of painful stimuli which reach consciousness after being relayed from some peripheral focus of diseases in the body. Yoga Nidra, by creating the sensations of pleasure/pain, heat/cold, etc, and the visualizations of specific yantras and psychic symbols may well be the key that unlocks these magical secretions from the pituitary.

The ability of yoga Nidra to control pain was investigated in a study at the Presbyterian University College Hospital, Pittsburgh ( USA), in which the need for analgesic medications was eliminated, or markedly reduced, among the 54 patients participating in the study. Two-thirds of them suffered from headaches of either migrainous, muscular, or tension types. The remainder suffered from a variety of conditions characterized by long-term or intermittent pain, including gastrointestinal pain( peptic ulcer syndrome ), shoulder and neck pain( spondylitis syndrome), and lower back pain ( slipped disc syndrome). At follow-up after six weeks of yoga Nidra therapy, patients reported an average of  81% effective pain relief.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and menstrual disorders :

The practice of yoga Nidra throughout pregnancy helps to create the most favorable conditions for intra-uterine growth and development. It is now well-recognized that stress liberates hormones into the mother`s blood which profoundly alters the well-being of the infant. Stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline cross the placental barrier and enter fetal circulations. There they act as toxins and poisons, disturbing the ongoing mental and physiological development of the fetus. Highly stressed mothers, who do not yet know the art of relaxation, are thus more likely to produce children who develop maladaptive behavior, hormonal imbalance, and endocrine disturbances in their own teenage and adult lives.

Yoga Nidra also has an important role in the techniques of natural childbirth, such as the Leboyer technique in which deep physical relaxation and spontaneous breath awareness form the basis for drug-free labor and delivery. In maternity hospitals where training in yogic relaxation practices is included in prepartum medical management, expectant mothers routinely experience less anxiety before the onset of labor and less pain during labor and delivery. The result is confidence devoid of undesirable complications and a healthy baby who emerges into the external world relaxed and unscathed.

Yoga Nidra has also been prescribed for the relief of pain associated with dysmenorrhoea ( disturbance of the menstrual cycle) and excessive levels of pre-menstrual tension. In a study conducted at East Texas University ( USA), researchers concluded that yoga relaxation training should be prescribed more frequently as an adjunct or alternative to conventional drug therapy for menstrual dysfunction and pain.

Geriatric medicine :

Yogic relaxation helps elderly people overcome many of the specific psychological difficulties related to old age, according to a study conducted in a French geriatrics hospital. Elderly people may confront a variety of difficulties, including loss of confidence, lowered self-esteem, depression, unmet dependency needs, loneliness, boredom, and fear of the future. The French researchers concluded that yoga Nidra is especially helpful for those elderly patients who habitually transfer their psychological difficulties into physical symptoms and complaints associated with their advancing age. These patients unconsciously will themselves into a state of rapid physical and mental deterioration unless their self-destructive copying mechanism is modified.

The elderly patients who learned and practiced yoga Nidra on a daily basis were more capable of recognizing and managing their problems, maintaining good health, a confident, active, and independent lifestyle, and a bright outlook toward the future. In addition, physicians participating in the study reported that yoga Nidra improved their patient’s ability to communicate and scout their personal and situational difficulties, thus enabling more fruitful therapeutic relationships to develop.

Here at Himalayan Yoga Academy, we normally teach every student the technique of doing yoga Nidra so they can apply as well as teach many people on their journey of life. Also, various guests come to our school during their yoga retreat. if there are people suffering from different mental anxiety and disorders, we also teach them yoga Nidra during their yoga and meditation sessions so that totally relax during their time of retreat. During the Yoga teacher training Nepal course as well, we teach how to guide people in Yoga Nidra. So they can apply the amazing benefits to themselves as well as others.

Introduction to Ayurveda and its history:

Ayurveda has a long and esteemed history. The word ayurveda is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word ayurveda, which means “the science of life.” Ayurveda is one of the oldest health sciences in the world, dating back more than 5,000 years.

Ayurveda is based on the principle that the body is a dynamic system that requires a balanced and harmonious environment in order to function optimally. Ayurveda believes that all aspects of a person’s life – physical, mental, and spiritual – are interconnected.

Ayurveda is based on the concept of “seven doshas,” which are energy fields that govern the body’s health and well-being. The seven doshas are vata, pitta, kapha, air, fire, water, and earth. Ayurveda practitioners use formulas and treatments to balance the doshas

Ayurveda’s approach to health and wellness

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that is based on the concept of balance and harmony within the body. Ayurveda practitioners use a variety of techniques to restore balance and harmony within the body, including yoga, meditation, and dietary recommendations.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that it considers the entire body and its individual components. Ayurveda practitioners believe that health and well-being is the result of a balanced and harmony

Benefits of Ayurveda     

1. Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance :

A healthy diet and alteration in lifestyle habits through Ayurvedic treatments help exfoliate extra body fat. In Ayurveda, weight isn’t a major concern but eating habits are. By allowing the body to detox through correct enriched restrictions, it’s possible to achieve a toned body.

Consult a ayurvedic doctor to determine the stylish diet that will suit your nutritive requirements and work with your dosha type.

2. Healthy and Glowing Skin and Hair

Need a perfect blaze and beaming hair? Ayurveda claims that you can ditch the costly clinical treatments and go for the organic and natural ways to achieve a blaze without spending too important money. A balanced meal, toning exercises, and Ayurvedic supplements are enough to promote a healthy skin and crown.

General salutary guidelines in Ayurveda concentrate on consumption of fresh food taking into account your dosha type, medical history, indigenous yield, customs, and traditions. The focus is more on high-antioxidant foods, sauces, teas, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.

3. Helps to Reduce Stress

With a fast-paced life that leaves no compass for revivification or relaxation, Ayurveda guarantees reduction in stress and anxiety. Regular practice of yoga, contemplation, breathing exercises, massages, and herbal treatments allow the body to calm down, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Yoga improves the autonomic nervous system making your mind alert, so you can concentrate well and stay reenergized throughout the day.

Breathing exercises keep infections at bay and allow abundant oxygen force to the cells to produce a sense of mindfulness. Problems like Depression and anxiety can be treated with Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Shiroabhyangam, and Padabhyangam.

4. Reduce Inflammation

Lack of proper diet, unhealthy eating routines, inadequate sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and bad digestion can lead to inflammation. The root cause of neurological conditions, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, pulmonary conditions, arthritis, and numerous others starts with inflammation.

As you begin to have your meal or food according to your body dosha type, the digestive system begins to strengthen. Consumption of certain foods at the right times reduces poisons in the blood and digestive tract. A consequent result of this is increased vitality, high energy, and an overall drop in languor and mood swings. Ayurvedic treatments are greatly known for cancer forestallment as well. The stylish illustration of an herbal Ayurvedic expression would be a combination of turmeric with black pepper.

5. Cleanse your Body

Panchakarma in Ayurveda is the practice of barring fleshly poisons through enemas, canvas massages, blood letting, purgation, and other oral administration. By administering these factors in the mortal body, this allows to the elimination of food and poisons that intrude with effective fleshly functions.

A purified body in turn aids for bettered overall health. Suitable home remedies that are extensively used in Ayurvedic herbal drugs are cumin, cardamom, fennel, and gusto which cure indigestion in the body and help bloating.

6. Lower Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Symptoms of Illness and Conditions

Experimenters suggest that Ayurvedic diets and relaxation ways help reduce shrine buildup. Plaque is a result of the conformation of cholesterol and fats in the inner filling of the highways. This condition is called atherosclerosis and is the root cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Ayurvedic drug offers a multitude of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. These are mixed together at an applicable dose and administered at an optimal time to help and combat immunity related diseases. Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils help increase blood inflow, compliment blood rotation, and draws out poisons from the body through the skin. “ Abhyanga massage” with herbal oils is highly used for massages.

How does the immune system work?

The immune system is defined as the combination of systems, glands, organs, and corridor that guards you from germs, bacteria, and other dangerous substances that can make you sick.  It’s an essential part of our health and well- and it’s working around the timepiece to defend your body. When the system comes in contact with germs and substances that the body does not feel as its own, the immune system response is actuated.  That means, your body begins to fight against the origins, bacteria, and so on to keep you healthy. Still, run-down or stops working duly, it’s unfit to do its job to cover you as it should if your immune system is weak. Hence why it’s so important to nourish our bodies so that we can have a strong, happy immune system.

What are the signs of a weak immune system?

Basically, if you have the following symptoms, you have a weak immune system :

1. Your Stress Level is Sky-High
2. You Always Have a Cold
3. You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles
4. Your Wounds Heal Slow
5. You Have Frequent Infections
6. You Feel Tired All the Time

How can I boost my immune system fast?

there are many ways you can boost your immune system naturally and healthily.

1. Always Get a good night’s sleep
2. Eat a vegan diet
3. Drink a lot of water timely.
4. Exercise regularly
5. Reduce sugar and alcohol
6. Minimize stress
7. Practice Yoga!

10 Yoga Poses for Boosting Immunity and Relieving Stress

1. Bhujangasana ( Cobra Pose )

Bhujangasana (भुजंगासना) or the Cobra pose is one of the gentle backbends that is helpful in relieving backache, it also helps in improving digestion and overall health of the spine. Cobra pose is often used within a sun salutation or vinyasa as a transitional pose in a collection of asanas

Steps of doing cobra pose :

The procedure to do Bhujanagasana is very easy. Follow The given steps below without any jerks and stretch as much as you can in the Bhuajangsana yoga. Let us check the steps

•     Lie down flat on your stomach with your head on the floor, legs straight, and feet together.
•     Try to raise your head and body up to navel with slow inhalation. You have to set both hands on the ground.
•     Now, slowly stretch your whole body.
•     Stay in this pose for at least 15 seconds and come back to the ground by a slow exhalation.

2. Uttanasana – Forward Fold

Uttanasana, also known as standing forward fold, is a full-body stretch commonly practiced as a transitional yoga pose in Vinyasa yoga classes. Yogis can also practice holding the posture for an extended period during their own practice to reap the benefits of its deep stretches. This standing forward fold is a great pose for counteracting backbends. When practiced correctly under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher, the posture can help relieve back stiffness.

3. Matsyasana – Supported Fish Pose

The Sanskrit word ‘Matsya’ means ‘fish’. It is thus nicknamed ‘The Fish Pose’. Matsyasana is a reclining back-bending asana. The name is derived from the Sanskrit Matsya, meaning “fish,” and asana, meaning “pose.” Matsya is also the name of an incarnation of the god, Vishnu, who manifested himself as a large fish in order to save the earth from a flood.

Steps to perform Matsyasana:

To enter the pose, the practitioner lies flat on the back and then lifts the pelvis so the hands can slide under the buttocks. The back arches and the chest lifts until the crown of the head (or the back of the head for beginners) rests on the floor.

• Begin with the Shavasana (Corpse Pose).
• Maintain a flat back. Make sure your arms are straight, with palms laid out on the mat.
• Gently, bring your palms in under your buttocks.
• Tip your head backward slightly with your torso resting on the floor. Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• Inhale and use your forearms to lift your chest, shoulders, upper back, and head off the mat.
• Bring the top of your head to rest on the mat and hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• Return to the initial position.
• Relax and inhale.

4. Supta Matsyendrasana – Reclined Spinal Twist

Supine Spinal Twist — Supta Matsyendrasana (Soop-tah-MOTS-yen-drAA-SUN-aa) — is a restorative spinal twist, that lengthens and strengthens the spine while detoxifying the internal organs. Supta Matsyendrasana is a gentle posture that stretches the spine, shoulder, back, thighs, and neck and stimulates internal detoxifying processes, all while the body rests. Regular practice of Supta Natarajasana can relieve lower back pain and tight shoulders. The pose gets its name from the Sanskrit words, Supta, meaning supine or reclined, Matsya, meaning fish, indra, meaning ruler, and asana, meaning pose.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Lie on your back with your arms stretched horizontally out to the sides in line with the shoulders.
• Extend your left leg out in front of you and bend your right knee, hugging it into your chest.
• Inhale, and on an exhale slowly cross your right knee over your midline and onto the floor on the left side of your body. Turn your head to the right and look at your right palm.
• Make sure that both of your shoulder blades are touching the ground, even if that means your knee does not fully touch the floor. While twisting, there is a tendency for one shoulder blade to lift off of the ground.
• Feel the stretch in your thighs, groin, arms, neck, stomach, and back as you hold the pose. With each exhalation, relax deeper into the pose.
• Hold for several minutes.
• Slowly turn your head back to the center and straighten your torso and legs.
• Repeat the pose on your left side.

5. Viparita Karani – Legs Up The Wall

Legs Up the Wall is a rejuvenating inverted pose that brings relief to the legs, feet, spine, and nervous system. It is a gentle way to bring the body into a state of deep relaxation and renewal. This pose is recommended for all yoga students, no matter their level of experience.

Its Sanskrit name, “Viparita Karani” (VIP-uh-REE-tuh kah-RAH-nee), literally translates to “inverted action.” When you take time out of your day to reverse the forward motions of doing, acting, and accomplishing, you allow your brain and body to settle into a state of pure being. Settling into this state, then, conditions the mind for deeper meditation, serenity, and self-awareness.

Because of its calming benefits, Viparita Karani is often done at the end of a yoga practice, before the final relaxation pose (Savasana) or meditation. However, it can also be practiced on its own, as an everyday restorative pose.

6. Savasana – Corpse Pose

 Mritasana, ‘Mrit’ – Corpse/dead body; Asana – Pose; Corpse Pose, or is an asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise, often used for relaxation at the end of a session. It is the usual pose for the practice of yoga Nidra meditation as well.

Mritasana or Shavasana is the Sanskrit name for an important restorative asana. It is a key component of asana practice in almost every yoga tradition and is most commonly used at the end of a sequence as a means of relaxation and integration.

This pose gets its name from the recumbent posture of a dead body. It is a position of rest and relaxation, and is usually practiced towards the end of a yoga session – a session that typically begins with activity and ends in rest; a space or pause when deep healing can take place.

7. Setu Bandhasana – Supported Bridge Pose

The Setu Bandha Sarvangasana massages the spine and stretches the chest, neck & hips. It also calms the brain, helps to open the sinuses, reduces headache,s and opens up your shoulders. This is a great pose for women who experience menopausal symptoms.     

Steps for Setu Bandhasana Sarvangasana ( Bridge Pose ) :

• First of All, Lie down on your back with your arms next to your body, palms facing down. Bend your knees and place your feet near your sitting bones, hip-distance wide.
• Then slowly inhale and lift your hips high. Check if your knees are aligned over your ankles.
• Interlace your fingers on the floor and tuck your shoulders underneath you. Draw your hands toward your feet.
• Stay in the pose for a few minutes with breathing, then release your hands, and exhale to lower.

8. Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana – Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose

Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose, or parivrtta janu sirsasana in Sanskrit, is a seated twist. From the head-to-knee pose, the practitioner reaches their bottom arm alongside the extended leg and reaches the top arm overhead, grabbing hold of the foot and twisting the torso toward the sky. It gives similar benefits to the head-to-knee pose but further improves circulation to the spine. It also invigorates digestion.

Instructions

• Sit with the legs outstretched.
• Bend the left leg and place the foot near the groin.
• Extend the right arm forward and twist it toward the leg. Grab hold of the inside of the right foot.
• Inhale and reach the left arm up and over. Grab hold of the foot.
• Bend the elbows and twist deeper, turning the torso toward the sky.
• Breathe while holding the pose.
• Exhale and release. Untwist and change sides.

Life is a beautiful journey where we encounter many situations, grow and change eventually. Every people experience their trial in own ways. People have different perspectives and choices on the way to deal with the circumstances they face in their life. Regardless of our choices, we all must navigate ourselves to establish peace and our surroundings for balance. Which is exactly what Lokah Samastah  Sukhino Bhavantu stands for; a blessing to the world.

 A Sanskrit Mantra ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’ which means “May everyone in the whole world be happy”. May my actions and behaviour contribute to others in a way that brings peace and happiness.

What is so great about this chant is that it sheds light on the human awareness and consciousness by reminding us that our relationship with all beings and things should be mutually beneficial if we ourselves desires happiness and liberation from suffering. No any true or lasting happiness comes form causing unhappiness to others. That’s why, if we want every beings to be happy and free, we certainly have to be careful about our each and every actions. By chanting this mantra, we move form a personal self and radiate a prayer of love for the world around us. Also reminds us that life is a beautiful journey with full of blessing for every living beings.

 What does Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu mean?

Popularized form Jivamukti yoga (a path to liberation through compassion towards all beings)

Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu represents many things.

Lokah alone can refer to all the universe existing now.Not only limited to our planet earth but also illuminates to all the beings in the universe and outside of our known universe.  

Samasta refers to every beings in the whole universe.

Sukhino translates to happiness, joy and free from suffering.

Bhav means the divine mood or state of  unified existence whereas Antu means a ending word that represent it must be so/ may it be so.

This mantra is very powerful which represents various meaning that tends to connect us on this planet and beyond. It takes us form the egoic, little self,and its limited world view, and radiates from us global wellbeing.

Now lets get to know deeper about its expanded translations:

1. We are all bounded together

We all beings sharing the same planet must care equally for other inhabitants. We do not wish this blessing mantra  only for ourselves but recognize we are part of a collective effort in the planet. The sound of Samastah expands us beyond our limited mentality and reminds us we are interconnected to all. We exist in the universe as we are now, in the very same shared moment.

Lokah Samasra Sukhino Bhavantu teaches us to :

• Compassion

Compassion begins to be a part of our being and easily a part of who we are. This mantra requests those who chant it to recognize the harmony in our lives. Although we witness the world through a different perspectives does not mean that those around us do not experience similar events. We all share the same life experiences, of pain and pleasure, loss and enlightenment, love and doubt. By exercising compassion, we feel that we are not alone and how connected we all really are in this together.

• Personal elevation

Sukhino represents free of suffering, finding the happiness and joy in life. We can accomplish this by focusing on ourselves, and letting go of all the negative thoughts and actions. We we centered on finding happiness and joy, we are emitting that energy out to others. It is instructive to be reminded that all people and animals are equally worthy of freedom and happiness. This state of awareness can help us take a first important step of understanding who we really are. No freedom can come from depriving others from their freedom. We must individually do our part to address our limitations and faults.

When we are able to accept we are no longer different than those around us we are more available to accept opportunities without judgement. Negative thoughts, fear, anxiety, stress lowers our vibrations and limit our frequencies. There is no magic in chanting this mantra unless your personal elevation can hold this higher frequencies. If you are still hurtful, critical or judgemental, you are adversely affecting the free will of others.

• Become enlightened

Bhav is the representative of attitude. It`s our state of mind in our current existence. To become enlightened, an essential step is to take responsibility for oneself. We own our karma and desire to act from places of greater love. Enlightenment is the path of awakening consciousness to remember the divine within us. We are also able to accept our true selves and accept love in its purest form.

Bhav says that, we are pure love in a unified existence. We all are bounded together with a love which interweaves the universe. Love and all that it represents, is the most authentic way for humans to present themselves. This mantra and chanting helps to amplify love, gratitude, and acceptance.

• Cosmic influence

This chant  “ Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ” is about encompassing the universe as a whole and all the existing universe. This chant has a cosmic affect that enchants blessings to every beings that exists in the universe and beyond. This shows the power of love and influence of the language of love and kindness as it transcends beyond our understanding.

 Why we chant ?

Beside its powerful meaning, you may wonder whe we chant it. Well, Chanting is not only limited to the way you start or end the class with. It is something that surrounds universal sound and has life due to its deep influence in our bodies. .

For instance, the power of chanting in Sanskrit is that its deep words and letter has the direct connection and influence on the chakras.

By chanting these rooted words, the vibrations resonate deeply within us. Chakra gets vibrated and activated. The energy channels we are able to tap into a deeper level of transcendence and kindness. Plus, there are various benefits:

• Reduces  anxiety

The chanting sound allows the mind to through any sense of overwhelm by deepening the breathe. The specific sound with rhythm calms our mind, balance our breathe and improves  our sense  of self.

• Strengthens our immunity

During chanting, our breathing patterns help to adjust the rhrythm of our body. Through sound and breathe, our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and sends message that we are in balance.  It calms our mind by letting us know we are not in flight and fight situation. And this communication helps our body build stronger immunity.

• Calms the body and mind

Chanting brings peace to the body and mind. It gives us a sense of peace. It offers us a comfortable place within a spiritual environment. Through chanting we are able to influence our thoughts, reduce tension in our bodies, and brings our body , breathe and mind at ease.

Reiki The Natural Healing Technique

Reiki is a form or technique of energy healing that has been used for centuries. It is based on the belief that all things are connected and that by working with energy we can heal ourselves and others. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that uses the hands, palms up, to flow energy gently into the body. The practitioner may use either verbal affirmation or silent mumbles to help focus the healing energy. There is no need to believe in any specific theory or concept to benefit from Reiki; it is simply a form of energy healing that can be used to improve health and well-being.

Benefits to Reiki :

1. The practitioner can gain a sense of peace and tranquility.
2. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can provide relief from pain.
3. It can also help to improve sleep quality and concentration, and can promote a sense of well-being.

History of Reiki :

Reiki is a centuries-old Japanese system of healing that combines traditional hand and arm massage with guided meditation and breath work. The system was developed by the founder of modern Japanese massage, Mikao Usui, in the late 19th century.

This began as a system of healing that combined traditional hand and arm massage with guided meditation and breath work. Mikao Usui, the founder of modern Japanese massage, developed Reiki in the late 19th century. Usui intended the system to be a form of healing that could be used by anyone, regardless of religious or cultural affiliation.

How Reiki is Done :

Reiki is administered by a practitioner using hands, fingers, or a palm brush. The practitioner may also use a quality crystal or gem to focus the energy.  The session might begin with a short meditation, and then the practitioner uses various hand and finger movements to lightly touch or hover over various parts of the client’s body while they are lie down on the floor. Throughout the session, the practitioner focuses specifically on their intent for healing. Also The length of time that the practitioner leaves their hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through their hands at each location

Pranayama practices establish a healthy body by removing blockages in the pranayama kosha, enabling an increased absorption of prana. The spiritual seeker, however, also requires tranquility of mind as essential prelude to spiritual practice. To this end, many pranayama techniques utilize kumbhaka the thought process.

Once the mind has been stilled and prana flows freely in the nadis and chakras, the doorway to the evolution of consciousness opens, leading the aspirant into a higher dimension of spiritual experience. In the science of pranayama, swami Sivananda writes, “there is an intimate connection between the breath, nerve currents, and control of the inner prana or vital forces. Prana becomes visible of the physical plane as motion and action, and on the mental plane as though.

Pranayama is the means by which a yogi tries to realize within his individual body the whole cosmic nature, and attempts to attain perfection by attaining all the powers of the universe”

General notes for the practitioner :

In traditional texts, there are innumerable rules and regulations pertaining to pranayama. The main points are regulation, balance, and common sense with regard to inner and outer thinking and living. However, for those who seriously wish to take up the advanced practices of pranayama, the guidance of a guru of an experienced teacher is essential.

Breathing: Always breathe through the nose and not the mouth unless specifically instructed otherwise. The nose should be cleaned regularly by jalaneti prior to the practice session. Be aware of the nostrils throughout the techniques. While inhaling, the nostrils should dilate of expanding outwards and while exhaling, they should relax back to their normal position.

Time of practice the best time to practice pranayama is during the early morning when the body is fresh and the mind has very few impressions. It this is not possible, another good time is just after sunset. Tranquilizing pranayama is performed before sleep. Try to practice regularly at the same time and place each day. Regular n practice increases strength and willpower as well as acclimatizing the body and mind to the increased pranic force. Do not be in hurry; slow, steady progress is essential.

Place if practice: practice in a quiet, clean, and pleasant room which is well-ventilated but not draughty. Generally, avoid practicing in direct sunlight, as the body will become overheated, except at dawn when the soft rays of the early morning sun are beneficial. Practicing in a draught of wind, in air-conditioning of under a fan may upset the body temperature and cause chills.

Sitting position: a comfortable, sustainable meditation posture is necessary to enable efficient breathing and body steadiness during practice. Siddha/ Siddha yoni asana is one of the best postures for pranayama. The body should be as relaxed as possible throughout the practice with the spine, neck, and head erect. Sit on a folded blanket of cloth of natural fiber to ensure the maximum conduction of energy during the practice.

Sequence: pranayama should be performed after asanas and before meditation practice. After practicing pranayama one may lie down in Shavasana for a few minutes.

Clothes: loose, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers should be worn during practice. The body may be covered with a sheet of the blanket when it is cold or to keep insects away.

Bathing: take a bath or shower before commencing the practice, or at least wash your hands, face, and feet. Do not take a bath for at least half an hour after the practice to allow the body temperature to normalize.

Empty stomach: wait at least three to four hours after meals before starting pranayama. Food in the stomach places pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making full, deep respiration difficult.

Digestion: when communicating pranayama practice, constipation and reduction in the quantity of urine may be experienced. In the case of dry motion, stop taking salt and spices, and drink plenty of water. In the case of loose motion, stop the practices for a few days and go on a diet of rich and curd of yogurt

Diet: a balance diet of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals is suitable for most pranayama practice. A combination of grains, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables, with a little, milk product if necessary, is recommended. The more advanced stages of pranayama require a change in diet and guru should be consulted for guidance on this.

Avoid strain: with all pranayama practice it is important to remember that the instruction not to strain, not to try to increase your capacity too fast, applies just as it does to asana practice. It one is advised to practice pranayama technique for a specific length of time, before moving on to a more advanced practice or ratior, it is wise to follow that instruction. Furthermore, breath retention should only be practiced for as long as it is comfortable. The lungs are very delicate organs and any misuse can easily cause injury. Not only the physical body also the mental and emotional aspects of the personality need time to adjust, never strain in any way.

Side effect: When practicing for the first time, various symptoms may manifest in normally healthy people. These are caused by the process of purification and the expulsion of toxins. Sensations of itching, tingling, heat or cold and feeling of lightness of heaviness may occur. Such experiences are generally temporary but if they persist during the practice, check with a yoga teacher.

Contra-indications: pranayama should not be practiced during illness, although simple techniques such as breath  awareness and abdominal breathing in shavasana may be performed, Always consult a yoga therapist of teacher before using any pranayama for therapeutic purposes.

No smoking: it is not advisable for pranayama practitioners to smoke tobacco or cannabies.