Yoga Nidra is a technique for achieving deep relaxation which is used at the end of every yoga class. In Yoga Nidra students learn how to relax at a much deeper level and it is not only the physical body which relaxes but also the pranic body, the emotions, the mind and the soul. Yoga Nidra also teaches students how to direct awareness to and develop intimacy with the different parts of their bodies.
In order to relax completely we have to get rid of all the internal stress in our bodies, emotions and minds. Only then can a true state of relaxation arise. The practice of yoga nidra is the scientific method of releasing these tensions.
The body is full of stress and is inflexible and stiff in some areas. Although some people can relax their muscles, their internal stress remains. When there is tension in the emotions, mind and soul there is tension in the body because energy gets blocked. Despite any superficial appearance of well-being most people are constantly full of tension. They have the habit of biting their nails, scratching their heads, stroking their chin or tapping their feet. Or they might pace worriedly back and forth, talk without being aware of what they are saying, be constantly irritable or smoke one cigarette after another. People behave in this way because hey are not aware of their own inner tensions. Even while we are asleep thoughts and worries keep running through our minds so that when we wake up we feel exhausted.