We have something very special to offer when you come in to see us! We can provide you with an acupressure or acupuncture treatment while you listen to a deeply relaxing and restorative Yoga Nidra. This is unique to our clinic, and is a very blissful combination.
What is Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has been mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads thousands of years ago as being a state similar to, or equal to that of Nirvana/Samadhi. It has been adapted by wise yogis into a practice where a practitioner guides their client into progressively deeper states of consciousness where not only relaxation occurs, but deep healing.
When practiced, Yoga Nidra allows our brain waves to settle into the natural hypnogogic state that occurs between waking and sleeping. It is done in a safe and supportive environment lying down in Savasana (lying on your back) while simply listening to what the guide is saying. It is effortless and cannot be done wrong. In the first stage, you are prompted to relax. You are then guided through what is called a “rotation of awareness”, gently focusing on parts of your body. The next step is to inwardly state a sankalpa (intention) which is usually followed by guided imagery that allows you to go deeper. You are to listen in a state of gentle alertness. The process in our clinic takes about 30 minutes–though the practice of Yoga Nidra at home can be 15 minutes to one hour in duration.
It is very normal to drift in and out of consciousness while in the process of this guided meditation. Your body may twitch now and then when stress is being released–it is said that past karmic imprints are being released when this occurs. You will likely find that random images pop up as you go deeper.
For the vast majority of sessions, Yoga Nidra is imparts great calm. Sometimes, however, as in acupuncture/acupressure treatments and meditation, the release of deep seated stress can cause some temporary mental or emotional discomfort as it leaves the mind and body so it is best to have a guide that can help you through this should this occur. Angela has much experience with supporting her patients when and if this happens. Her gentle presence provides reassurance.
Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra allows you to release what no longer serves you, and can often provide you with creative inspiration. The hypnogogic state, which is achieved during the process, is something everyone experiences when they are falling asleep (and upon awakening) and is a treasure trove of ideas and insight. Stress, trauma and even negative karmic imprints can be released. The parasympathetic nervous system becomes fully engaged and deep healing occurs on all levels of body, mind, and spirit.
One hour of effective Yoga Nidra is said to be equal to four hours of sleep. This is very welcome news to those of you who have insomnia.
If you have been trying hopelessly to meditate but find you are arguing with your mind the whole time, or if you cannot comfortably sit due to pain, then Yoga Nidra is a perfect place to get the benefits of meditation.
Acu-Nidra
This is a synthesis that is uniquely offered by Hoku Integrated Healthcare. You likely won’t get this anywhere else. We provide you with a guided Yoga Nidra with your choice of either acupuncture or acupressure so that you get even better results–it is our experience that our patients often enter the hypnogogic state while receiving acupuncture or acupressure as with Yoga Nidra. We are offering two complimentary techniques that augment each other to help you further relax, heal, and aid creativity and insight.
How is this Done:
We will simply play you a recorded Yoga Nidra after we have inserted the needles (or while doing acupressure). If you are coming in for the acupressure version, please wear comfortable clothes.
Coming Soon:
Angela is in the process of getting her Yoga Nidra Certification. Soon she will be able to guide you “on the fly” on a relaxing journey made just for you.
