As I deepen my work in Ayurveda, I’ve come to see Yoga Nidra as one of the most transformative practices for healing and growth. This gentle, guided meditation supports nervous system repair, deep rest, and clear intention-setting—a powerful aspect of the Ayurvedic path.
For the past four years, I’ve been immersed in the study of Ayurveda while training to become a Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine. This journey follows decades of practicing and teaching yoga, which I began in the 1990s—and it’s been beautiful to see how these two ancient systems continue to support and enrich one another.
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Ayurveda and Yoga come from the same ancient system of holistic living. Ayurveda offers lifestyle guidance and healing—primarily through food, herbs, and daily routines—while Yoga cultivates the discipline, awareness, and inner alignment to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
Why Deep Rest Matters
In our fast-paced, overstimulated world, rest often feels out of reach—or even irrelevant. And yet, it’s one of the most powerful healing tools we have.
Yoga Nidra, often translated as “yogic sleep,” offers not just rest, but profound healing and conscious creation. It’s not merely a relaxation technique—it’s a state of consciousness that gives your body time to heal and your mind space to align with your deeper vision.
I became certified to teach Yoga Nidra over two years ago through the California College of Ayurveda, and the practice has had a profound impact on my life. It changed my sleep, supported deep nervous system healing, and helped rewire my stress responses. One unforgettable moment during my training? I set an intention to buy a home—and within a week, I did. That’s the power of Yoga Nidra.
What Is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a deeply restorative, guided meditation practiced lying down in savasana (corpse pose). Through gentle, voice-guided instruction, you’re led into a dream-like state between waking and sleeping—where the body releases tension, the mind becomes still, and the nervous system resets.
From this receptive state, you’ll be invited to set a personal intention, or sankalpa. These intentions might relate to healing, support, growth, or a future vision. Because they arise from within the Yoga Nidra state—a deeply subconscious, expanded awareness—they are amplified and supported by the creative energy of the universe.
Just as physical fitness is a side effect of consistent yoga asana, deep rest is a natural outcome of Yoga Nidra. But it doesn’t stop there—this practice empowers you to clarify and embody your purpose from a place of deep connection.
The Science of Rest
According to Dr. Herbert Benson, author of The Relaxation Response:
“Just sitting quietly or watching television is not enough to produce the physiological changes we need. You must use a true relaxation technique to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity.”
This is where Yoga Nidra shines.
By guiding the body into parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode, Yoga Nidra activates the body’s natural healing processes—restoring hormonal balance, calming the mind, and reducing inflammation and fatigue.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has been shown to:
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Improve sleep and reduce insomnia
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Ease anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD symptoms
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Support menstrual health and hormonal balance
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Reduce hypertension and blood pressure
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Lower blood glucose levels in diabetic patients
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Improve pain and disability outcomes in chronic conditions
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Enhance mood, focus, and self-esteem
Your Weekly Oasis: Join Me In Person or Online
Starting Monday, July 7, I’ll be teaching a weekly Yoga Nidra class every Monday evening from 7:30–8:30 PM (Pacific)—available both in person at Folk Yoga San Francisco and online via livestream.
This class is open to all levels—no experience is needed. We practice lying down, supported by props and comfort. I’ll guide you through physical and mental release, conscious breathing, and deep rest, followed by time to set your sankalpa.
What to Bring
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Yoga mat
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Blanket
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Bolster or pillow
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Optional: eye pillow or soft cloth to cover the eyes
If you’re attending in person, the studio provides mats, bolsters, and blocks—but bringing your own blanket or favorite pillow can make the experience more personal. Please note: eye pillows are not provided.
I hope you’ll join me for this powerful, restorative practice.
With love and rest,
Marisa Toriggino ~ Clinical Ayurveda Specialist
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