ROTATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Rotation of Consciousness makes up an element of yoga nidra & the few better known schools such as the Himalayan Institute, Bihar School of Yoga, iRest, that offer this practice, all have some differences in their method, from where it starts, the sequence of points to where it ends. Even the number of points can vary between schools.

Personally, I connect more with the Himalayan Institute’s approach, which tracks 61-points that are derived from marma points - vital, nerve-rich Ayurvedic junctures of the body - starting from the crown of the head, moving round the body, returning to where it commenced. This exercise of moving awareness through these 61-points is called Shavayatra & by consciously relaxing these directed locations, it can lead to a deep & complete release of muscular tension.

I’ve taken to drawing these 61-points as a way of absorbing them into my memory. It’s important to know that Shavayatra can be practice by yourself - it doesn’t have to be guided by teacher, & it can be practised on its own, separate from a full yoga nidra session.

I’ve found it extremely effective when I’m having trouble sleeping. In fact, I’ve often fallen asleep before I complete 31-points (the upper body). Definitely worth exploring if you’re having difficulty going to bed.

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