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Restorative Yoga |
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What is Restorative Yoga? |
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In general, Restorative Yoga works as “Active Relaxation.” It is for those times when you are fatigued or stressed out from daily life. It is especially beneficial for those recovering from an illness or injury. It works by supporting the body with various props so that the muscles and bones are relieved of their roles of support and action.
When this happens, your nervous system sends and receives fewer messages, and thus you become quieter. The breath is also used to help cultivate an awareness of our body so that we can begin to identify where we hold our stress and how we can release it. The body and its organs are alternately stimulated and soothed through the sequencing of various poses. For example, by closing the abdomen with a forward bend and then opening it with a backbend, the abdominal organs are squeezed, forcing the blood out, and then opened, so that fresh blood returns along with the enhanced exchange of oxygen. Some poses have an overall benefit, while others target an individual body part such as the heart or lungs. The spine is gently moved in all directions and the body is provided a completely supportive environment for total relaxation.
Restorative Yoga helps the body move toward a more balanced and whole state of being. |