It is a gentle, therapeutic style of yoga that uses props such as belts, blankets, blocks, bolsters, and chairs to support the body and deepen a pose's benefits. Judith Lasater, veteran yoga teacher and restorative champion, states "I often refer to these therapeutic yoga poses as 'active relaxation.' It is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation allowing layers of muscular tension to slowly melt away." These soothing and well-supported poses are held for several minutes offering us the opportunity to soften and savor the bliss of being, rather than doing. They have the ability to leave us feeling nourished and well rested. It is like taking a little mini vacation wherever you are.
What are the benefits of Restorative Yoga? According to Lasater, "When you do restorative yoga you'll stop having the consistent pain of fatigue that we ignore or hide with caffeine. You'll begin to feel more patient. You won't react as quickly."
Additional Benefits of Restorative and Therapeutic Yoga for Relaxation include:
Reduces the effects of chronic stress and stress related disease
Induces the relaxation response helping to soothe the nervous system, lower heart rate and blood pressure; and helping to positively stimulate the immune system and keep hormonal system properly balanced
Calms and focuses the mind
Cultivates the habit of paying attention becoming aware of how and where you hold tension and learning how to release it
Eases menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms
Helps with jet lag
Moves the spine in all directions keeping it flexible and balanced
Its supported inverted poses help to reverse the effects of gravity. When the heart is placed below the legs, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard and fluids are returned to the upper body more easily
Adds to energy rather than depleting it
Who Needs Restorative and Therapeutic Yoga? These yoga for relaxation poses are for those times when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from daily activities or too much care taking. They are also great for times before during and after major life events such as major holidays, job loss, marriage, divorce, and death; or when ill or recovering from injury or illness. It's one of the best things we can do for our overall health and wellness.
