Technique:Yoga Nidra

Just as a car engine needs to be turned off and allowed to cool down after a long drive, similarly, after doing yoga postures, we need to cool our body with yoga nidra. It helps conserve and consolidate the energy from the yoga poses (active) practices. Yoga nidra relaxes the entire system, preparing it for pranayama and meditation. It is therefore important to keep aside sufficient time for yoga nidra after yoga postures.

Let’s Get Ready For Yoga Nidra
In yoga nidra, we consciously take our attention to different parts of the body, which activates the nerves in those areas and helps to integrate the impact of the asanas (yoga postures) into our system.

Here is a step-by-step guide to do yoga nidra.

Tip: It is a good idea to cover yourself with a blanket to keep yourself warm. The body becomes warm while doing postures and a sudden drop in temperature is not suitable.

1. Lie down straight on your back in Corpse Pose (Shavasana). Close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Remember to take slow and relaxed breaths, and not ujjayi breaths. (Tip: If you feel any discomfort or pain in lower back, adjust your posture or use a pillow to elevate the legs a little, for more comfort.)
2. Start by gently taking your attention to your right foot. Keep your attention there for a few seconds, while relaxing your foot. Then gently move your attention up to the right knee, right thigh and hip (again for a couple of seconds). Become aware of your whole right leg. Repeat this process for the left leg.
3. Similarly, take your attention to all parts of the body: genital area, stomach, navel region, chest, right shoulder and right arm, followed by the left shoulder and left arm, throat, face and the top of the head.
4. Take a deep breath in, observe the sensations in your body, and relax in this still state for a few minutes.
5. Now, slowly becoming aware of your body and surroundings, turn to your right side and keep lying down for a few more minutes.
6. Taking your own time, you may then slowly sit up, and whenever you feel comfortable, slowly and gradually open your eyes.

How Yoga Nidra Benefits You

• Cools down the body after yoga postures,restoring normal temperature
• Activates the nervous system to absorb the effects of yoga poses
• Flushes out body toxins

http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/health-and-wellness/restorative-sleep-relax-yourself-yoga-nidra

http://www.speakingtree.in/blog/yoga-nidra-with-sri-sri-ravi-shankar