I fell in love with the practice of yoga several years ago. I heard about the health benefits of yoga and wanted to reconnect with my body. Quickly I discovered profound health benefits. In Chapter Seven of my book, The Dissociate I talk about self-care and how yoga became a great tool in my healing journey.
I have been through turbulent phases in my life, both physically and mentally since early childhood and there was definitely a lack of connection and “grounding” from my soul, mind and body.
When I started healing a childhood trauma that was haunting my life, I no longer had the ability to sleep well at night. My nights were full of terrors and flashbacks. In search of a solution that didn’t include sleeping pills, I traveled to Mexico.
While visiting a Yoga Shala, I soon discovered Yoga Nidra. This practice was offered by a very talented, well respected teacher in all disciplines of yoga who trained globally to bring knowledge and experience to her students. I took an introductory course and soon realized this was the answer to my sleepless nights. Shortly thereafter I embarked on the Yoga Teacher Training in the discipline of Yoga Nidra in Mexico. I now call Mexico and Canada my home.
Photo credits: Chuck Szmurlo
I will be a Guest Instructor at Inspire Wellness Centre (Inspire Yoga) located in Calgary, Canada for a limited time. Aug 7 – Sept 28
Learn what’s going on with your brain waves when you sink into a YOGA NIDRA practice and why it leaves you feeling so refreshed.
Begin with sensing the body and learning specific breathing patterns to stimulate a deep relaxation response. The relaxation response balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and balances the left and right brain. Your heart rate and respiration begin to slow, as the mood-regulating hormone serotonin releases further calming the mind and body.
Yoga Nidra OR YOGIC SLEEP is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. Learn to relax consciously, some say a single hour of Yoga Nidra is as restful as 4 hours of conventional sleep. People who practice Yoga Nidra feel refreshed and relaxed and find that regular sleep habits is no longer an issue.
The benefits of Yoga Nidra
Better sleep pattern
Healthy heart rate
Reduces stress
Reduces inflammation
Bolsters memory
Create an overall healthier weight
Reduce depression and anxiety
Reduce chronic pain
Reduce blood pressure and improve blood glucose
Assists in calming PTSD symptoms
Support menopause
Alleviate sleep apnea
To register
https://inspirecentre.ca/calendar/
Debbie Ehrstien 