The iRest Program for Healing PTSD: A Proven-Effective Approach to Using Yoga Nidra Meditation and Deep Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Trauma

by Richard C. Miller

If you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you know how debilitating the symptoms can be. Many times, people with PTSD will suffer flashbacks, have intense nightmares and difficulty sleeping, and may feel angry, anxious, and constantly “on alert.” Living with PTSD is extremely difficult, but there are ways that you can manage your symptoms and, in time, recover.

In The iRest Program for Healing PTSD, clinical psychologist and yogic scholar Richard C. Miller-named one of the top twenty-five yoga teachers by Yoga Journal-offers an innovative and proven-effective ten-step yoga program for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The deep relaxation meditations in this book will help you overcome the common symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression, and maintain emotional stability so that you can return to living a full, meaningful life.

The author's iRest protocol is an integrative approach that heals the various unresolved issues, traumas, and wounds that are present in the body and mind. It recognizes the underlying sense of calm that is always present, even amidst all changing circumstances of life. Extensive research has shown that iRest effectively supports the healing process across a broad range of populations. Currently, there are iRest programs in military hospitals across the US, as well as in correctional facilities, hospices, clinics, schools, and organizations supporting personal growth and well-being. iRest has been endorsed by the US Army Surgeon General and Defense Centers of Excellence as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

If you are ready to start healing from your trauma and get back to living the life you once knew-a life free from fear, anxiety, and sleepless nights-this book will help you find your way. To find out more about Richard C. Miller and the iRest program, visit www.irest.us.

 

Genres: Self Help, Meditation, Nonfiction, Reference, Psychology, Health

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

Reviews

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will require another reading once things settle down more for me. I have used techniques similar to (and also identical to) what the author describes for many years, and they do help, to a certain extent, when one is in the acute state, and also in the second stage, but I find Herman's work Trauma and Recovery more useful overall for mapping out a fuller chart to long-term recovery.

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this course, which in my opinion, covers all the main practical points along the road of developing skills in mindfulness, present moment awareness, relaxation, and beyond. The author as cleverly adopted techniques from a range of disciplines from yoga, Buddhist mindfulness and Advaita Vedanta. He's kept these techniques as simple as possible, and they really do work as presented. He delivers the techniques and information in an easy to follow manner. In the audio version, his voice is agreeable and soothing. He ends on the topic of beingness, awareness etc., which are actually high level practices and approaches in their own right, and he successfully delivers this information as well as many sages have in the past. The only other comment I'd like to make is that the title or 'iRest' label sometimes jarred with me, as it's a newish label that's been added to some ancient practices, and it sounds a little odd when he says "iRest" has been around for centuries-- meaning that the practices contained in this work have been around for centuries. That's just a small point though, and overall it's a great collection of practices one could use for many years.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for dealing with PTSD. IT gives you ten steps to follow. It shows you how to to use meditation. I think this is a helpful book for many people not just those who suffer from PTSD.

[Kathryn Burwash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. If you are learning to meditate for stress reduction, deepening your mindfulness practice, a yoga practitioner, or wanting relief from anxiety, depression or PTSD this is the book for you!

Richard integrates the 6000 year old practice of Yoga Nidra with modern day science about the benefits of mindfulness. Each chapter not only clearly explains the philosophy and science but has scripted meditations to follow. These follow in a sequential manner, building skills into a comprehensive program that you adapt to your life circumstances.

I've been not only reading but practicing regularly for nine months now and the results are genuinely life changing.

[❀Tara K❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the techniques taught in this book, particularly the "Welcoming of Opposites". I would recommend it to someone who's already in therapy and ready to process their trauma in a different way.

It teaches a 10 step program, but may be difficult to follow for those not already familiar with Yoga Nidra scripts. ALL the audio recordings should be available with the book because they are meant to be listened to. The author includes a link to 8 audio clips for free, but charges $40. for all 42 recordings of the meditations included in the book. The writing is a bit repetitive, but going through each step at a time is necessary and it's great when it all finally comes together. It would have earned 5 stars if all the audio meditations were included. I'm grateful to the author for sharing this method.

[Lisa Feder · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of Richard Miller, this book was required reading for me. It has become a daily reference guide for both my practice and my teaching. The practice of iRest Yoga Nidra can be truly life-changing, and this book breaks down the protocol so that the elements are easier to grasp. This is a life-long practice; this book helps those just getting started and those seeking to deepen their practice. The approach is down-to-earth, and the results are out of this world! This book takes the "woo woo" out of the equation so that readers can get to the deep work they need to do to create change for the better.

[Lady Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for using yoga nidra. It explains the concepts clearly in easy to understand language.

It's a bit repetitive and lacks great grammar, but Dr. Miller, a respected expert in his field, displays great knowledge and insight in this book.

What I love about this book is the clear outline; every detail is spelled out and easy to implement. I will certainly use this book to inform how I teach yoga nidra in the future. My favorite part of the book is the explanation of how to choose a sankalpa.

I also really love how the sensations and emotions extremes are handled here. He walks us through not only the steps, but also the fundamentals behind the steps.

[Kayley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book!! Everyone should read it and take what connects with them, while leaving the rest. There are concepts in here that have changed my life forever and will be a big part of how I teach. I took one star off because I feel the title is misleading with the use of ‘PTSD’ in the title. In my experience this seems to make people think ‘not for me’ if they don’t have PTSD. This book is highly applicable to anyone that has experienced trauma as well as people with ADHD. A lot of people who could benefit from this book are missing out because of that one detail.

[Shakti Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for the yoga or mindfulness teacher (like me) to recommend to students, particularly anyone having a hard time in their life. A great series of meditations drawing on the yogic and psychotherapy fields. I personally have gotten a lot of value from this excellent series of practices. Thank you Richard Miller and iRest.

[Leti Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and informative read to learn all the facets of iRest & Yoga Nidra. These techniques can help us cure PTSD and find ease in the body and mind, We begin by feeling whole and with time face both the negative and positive feelings and emotions to finally put them behind us. By doing this one can feel more in balance on a day by day basis and know how to respond in any situation.

[Hemant]

Excellent

[Ben S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book

[Katie Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

has tons of good info and great scripts !!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! I've used it for several years with the military and recovery programs I work with.

[Lisa Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Research, practical application and easily accessible practices for anyone.