Mind and Body Yoga
  • Home
  • About Laura
  • Qualifications
  • Types of Classes
  • iRest Yoga Nidra
  • Testimonials
  • Contact
Picture
"iRest helps us to re-connect to our innate well-being and bring it to the surface of our experience."
- Richard Miller, iRest founder

iRest Yoga Nidra is a guided form of meditation that provides a gentle and supported path into deep meditation. It is especially effective for people who struggle to settle their minds during their meditation practice. The guided nature of iRest provides an anchor for the mind, which helps you let go of intrusive thoughts, and release into a very deep state of relaxation.

The iRest protocol was originally developed in 2006 by Richard Miller, PhD, who led a study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the effectiveness of Yoga Nidra (an ancient Indian meditative practice) on the post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms of soldiers. The practice was so effective that Integrative Restoration (or iRest, as it is known) is now being offered in over 30 military settings across the United States. 

Although initially developed for use with PTSD, research has demonstrated that iRest also effectively reduces the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, mild traumatic brain injury, and chemical dependency.  But more generally, it is a wonderful technique for coping with the stresses of daily life, building resilience, self-awareness, and self-regulation.  

iRest is currently taught across the US in schools, seniors’ centres, correctional facilities, addiction treatment centres, cancer clinics, rape relief centres, not to mention yoga and meditation facilities.  It is slowly gaining ground in Canada, and there are a small number of dedicated teachers across the country who offer this practice.  I am honoured to be one of them.
Richard Miller describes iRest, including its application across a range of settings.
Richard Miller leads a brief iRest Yoga Nidra practice.
When we slow down, we rest.  When we rest, we heal. 
​iRest Yoga Nidra
Gentle Hatha Yoga
Picture