sexual tension, and for general cleansing and healing of the body. After the birth, certain bandhas are used to help restore both muscular strength and energy levels.

	~Yoga Nidra  Relaxation for the Psyche~

Introduction to Yoga Nidra
   Yoga Nidra (nidra means sleep) is an age old technique known variously as psychic sleep, the sleep of awareness, or the yogi's sleep. Originally, it was developed by the yogis as a way of using sleep time for the same outcome as meditation, that is, attaining a self transcendental state of consciousness. Nowadays, it can be used just as effectively for transcendental relaxation, enhanced creativity training, quality intermittent rests or improving the quality of regular sleep. In fact, it has been scientifically evaluated that one hour of Yoga Nidra gives the equivalent rest of 4 hours normal sleep.
   Since its re-discovery in the 1960's, Yoga Nidra's methodology has swept the world and it is now used in many forms for a wide range of health applications. Outside of yoga circles it is commonly used as a technique of physical and mental relaxation, but in its deeper levels it is a most effective way of manipulating the subcon-scious and unconscious substance of the mind. With little expertise, Yoga Nidra enables the practitioner to enter light trance states known as the hypnagogic state or lucid dreaming. These brain wave states are known to be psycho-biologically regenerative which means they allow the body (and subconscious mind) to restore itself by creating a state called homeostasis in which the body activates cell renewal.
   To first learn Yoga Nidra one must either be instructed by a teacher or else utilise a recording of the technique such as a cassette tape or a CD. After some time of assisted instruction, one can then perform the process oneself. Sessions can run from 15 minutes for beginners up to several hours for adepts. To gain the most from a Yoga Nidra session, it is best preceded by some bodywork (yoga asanas) and some breathwork (pranayama) to relax the body and enliven the mind.

 
   Yoga Nidra is usually performed lying down, ideally, flat on your back. Once the body has been correctly adjusted, the practice begins. Throughout the session, the body must remain perfectly still, with the eyes closed and the awareness focussed on the specific instructions. One should make every effort not to drift off mentally nor to fall sleep. In its proper form, as taught in the Integral Yoga system, there is a particular routine which must be observed for the full benefits to be gained. Within each session, techniques such as rotation of body awareness, a resolution, breath awareness, awareness of energy channels and energy centres, visualisation, mental repetition of a mantra and states of contemplation are used to firstly transcend all external experience and then to witness the substance of the mind.
   At the simplest level, Yoga Nidra is a powerful form of relaxation therapy. You awaken relaxed, refreshed and clear headed. At its deepest level, Yoga Nidra can be a mind and life transforming experience. Unlike the popular diversion forms of relaxation such as entertainment, drugs, alcohol, holidays, sleep, sport, etc, which merely temporarily hide the discomfort and tensions within, Yoga Nidra is effective in actually addressing the root causes of tensions and stress and eliminating them - for good.
   For what is stress? Simplistically, it can be defined as the resultant experience of two or more opposing forces. Wherever in nature there are pushes and pulls, there is stress. From astrophysics to subatomic physics, from steel bridges to wooden chairs, stress is what holds things together. At a personal level, whether it be between the outer world and our inner selves, or between one part of us and another, such as having conflicting thoughts and desires, yoga maintains there are two things you can do about stress. And that is (i) investigate our own part in the source of those conflicts and (ii) manage the mind which creates the reactions to it. In this way both the causes and the manifest symptoms of stress are addressed. For this process, Yoga Nidra is truly, a most excellent tool.

The Benefits of Yoga Nidra
For Women's Health and Pregnancy
   As a therapeutic tool, Yoga Nidra is included in women's programs for managing asthma, high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, oedema, cramping,