“ Restorative Yoga is the use of props to support the body in positions of ease and comfort to facilitate relaxation and health”
- Judith Hanson Lasater, Phd, PT
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga is a yoga practice that is both relaxing and rejuvenating for the body and the mind. It involves the use of props including bolsters or blankets, yoga blocks or belts; allowing the body into a position of comfort and ease, remaining in the pose for up to 20 minutes. Restorative yoga works deeply with the nervous system. In our society today most of us are in ‘fight or flight mode’, constantly using our sympathetic nervous system. This constant stress has serious effects on the body, mind and emotions resulting in everything from exhaustion to autoimmune diseases.
Restorative yoga allows us to work with our para-sympathetic nervous system, our ‘rest and digest’ side. It is a very suitable practice for beginners, anyone recovering from injuries and seasoned yogis alike.
The benefits of regular relaxation practice and restoring parasympathetic dominance include decreases in hypertension, improvements in sleep, immune and digestive function, decreased symptoms of chronic pain, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, and benefits to our overall health. Isn’t this something we all could use more of?
What Restorative Yoga does -
Release and open muscles instead of stretching
Creates homeostasis and balance in the body energetically and physically
Creates calm in the mind and emotions
Supports in relaxation responce
Gives people permission to rest
Reduces adrenaline fatigue and over production of cortisol
Reduces stress
Why do Restorative Yoga -
Deeply Relaxing
Burn out
Injury
PTSD
Reduced activity
Age/Wisdom
Grief
Times of major life transition and events
Sickness
Fatigue
Recovery
Mental Health
Sleep Hygiene
Balancing body mind and spirit
A radical practice
Creatively stimulating
In her book, Relax and Renew, Judith Hanson Lassiter, Ph.D., P.T., tells us “Stress begins with a physiological response to what your body-mind perceives as life-threatening. For our ancestors, this many have been defending against the aggression of a hungry animal. For modern-day humans, this may be living the fear of losing a job in a sagging economy, or the health crisis of a family member.”
Why not join in a Restorative Yoga practice from the comfort of your own space once a month on a Friday?
Details here -
