Somatic therapies are body-centred practices that use physical awareness and movements to support your healing. Recognising the mind body connection somatic therapies help you explore how emotional and psychological stress manifests physically. Using somatic or body-based techniques can help you release tension, process trauma and restore balance and harmony.
Reiki: Universal Healing Energy
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. The term ‘Reiki’ combines two Japanese words ‘Rei’ (universal) and ‘Ki’ (life energy). Reiki practitioners are attuned to tap into this energy and channel it to restore healing to your body.
How does Reiki work?
During a Reiki session, we place our hands lightly or just above your body in a series of hand positions. We act as a conduit for the universal life energy to pass through to your body. This energy can help to clear blockages, restore energy flow and balance your body’s energy centres, also known as the chakras.
Reiki and the Nervous System
The gentle and non-invasive nature of Reiki makes it particularly effective in calming the nervous system. Here’s how it can support you:
Activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Reiki induces a state of deep relaxation which activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, also known as the “Rest and Digest” system. This counteracts the stress-induced activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System or the “Fight or Flight” response.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety: By promoting relaxation, Reiki helps to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. This reduction in stress hormones can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Enhance Energy Flow: Reiki works on an energetic level to clear blockages to and restore the free flow of life energy. Harmonising this energy can lead to improved physical health, emotional stability and greater flow in your life.
Yoga Nidra: Yogic Sleep
Yoga Nidra is an ancient Yogic guided meditation practice that brings you into a state of conscious deep relaxation. You remain aware as we lead your body and mind through progressive stages of relaxation.
How does Yoga Nidra work?
A typical Yoga Nidra session involves lying down in Savasana or corpse pose while we guide you through a series of relaxation techniques, including body scans, breath awareness, and visualization. The goal is to reach a state of hypnagogia, the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, where the subconscious mind becomes highly receptive. From here we introduce a Sankalpa, or ‘truth vow’ to create a change you want to see in your subconscious mind.
Yoga Nidra and the Nervous System
Yoga Nidra helps balance the nervous system in the following ways:
Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief: as we guide you into a state of conscious relaxation we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, similar to Reiki. This leads to decreased sympathetic nervous system activity and reduces your overall stress levels.
Balance the Autonomic Nervous System: regular practice of Yoga Nidra can help balance the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion and respiratory rate. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.
Release Emotional Tension: Yoga Nidra allows access to the subconscious mind, where our unresolved emotions and traumas often reside. By processing these emotions in a relaxed state, you can begin to release long-held tensions and achieve emotional clarity.
Improve Sleep Quality: Practicing Yoga Nidra consistently can improve sleep quality by training the body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation more readily. This is particularly beneficial if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep challenges.
Integrating Reiki and Yoga Nidra
Both Reiki and Yoga Nidra are accessible techniques and powerful somatic techniques that can greatly support your nervous system. We combine these two modalities to amplify the benefits for you. Whether you are looking to manage stress, improve sleep or build your emotional resilience, our unique Reiki-infused Yoga Nidras can help you maintain energy balance, reduce stress and improve your well-being. Anchored in the ancient wisdom of the Celtic Wheel of the Year let us support you find that inner connection to yourself and to the rhythms of nature. Our latest Reiki-infused Yoga Nidra is available in our shop.
