Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga enables deep relaxation, regardless of your experience with yoga, as you hold poses for longer periods of time with the help of props to completely support you.
 

The main focus of Restorative Yoga is that by relaxing in poses, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, we can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Restorative yoga is very relaxing and slow paced. Props, like blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps are used so that you are supported in your pose comfortably. You will then hold the pose for an extended period of time. This practice is great to balance an active yoga schedule or to give yourself a break when you feel under
the weather.

 
Our parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated when we relax into poses, which promotes a relaxation response and reduces stress in our bodies. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate and breath and increasing blood flow.
 
When you are practicing Restorative yoga, you will feel a sense of motionlessness and shapelessness, and this can lead you to feel some emotional discomfort and vulnerability. If this happens, stay with the breath and allow it to pass.

 
Benefits
 
Restorative yoga helps to combat the physical and mental effects of everyday stress, and eases common ailments such as headaches, backaches, anxiety, and insomnia with the use of restful poses and deep breathing techniques. As the name suggests, this style of yoga “restores” the body to its parasympathetic nervous system function,
which, in turn, helps the body rest, heal, refresh and restore balance.

By allowing time for longer asanas (postures or poses) and deeper breathing, restorative yoga helps elicit the relaxation response.

 

1. Deeply relaxes the body.

2. Stills a busy mind.

3. Releases muscular tension, improving mobility and flexibility.

4. Improves capacity for healing and balancing.

5. Balances the nervous system.

6. Boosts the immune system.

7. Develops qualities of compassion and understanding toward others and self.

 
Restorative yoga usually focuses on five or six poses, using props that will allow you to relax into the pose and hold it for longer periods of time. Gentle, supportive, and therapeutic are just a few words that describe restorative yoga.

 

At its core, Restorative yoga is a practice of passive healing.

By allowing time for longer asanas (postures or poses) and deeper breathing, Restorative yoga helps elicit the relaxation response. This response can help slow breathing, reduce blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calm and increased well-being.

Since you’re encouraged to relax fully in the pose while focusing on your breath, Restorative yoga allows you to release tension in your muscles for longer periods without discomfort.