Restorative Yoga balances a fast lifestyle and helps to heal the body and mind by:-
Triggering the relaxation response
Resetting the body to its natural pace and balance
Helping to soothe the nervous system
Working with the body not by correcting it
It is also a mindful practice where the body-mind connection is strengthened and awareness of both the mind and body is greatly heightened on and off the mat.
Restorative yoga consists of a set of poses that are held for an extended period of time in gentle stillness using supportive props in order to enable deeper relaxation. The nurturing poses are typically practiced in a dimly lit comfortable and quiet environment. There is opening within the poses but not stretching. The supportive props are used in a creative way without active straining of the muscles, in order to allow the body to surrender and soften so as to access the relaxation responsive state. The relaxation responsive state is:-
The counterbalance mechanism to the fight/flight response, which is closer to the sympathetic end or overly stimulated end of the autonomic nervous system. Fight/flight is the body´s stress response which can weaken the immune system. When prolonged elevated levels are experienced this can lead to an array of serious health issues.
Accessing a deeper consciousness that supports relaxation and a calming, less stimulated nervous system which is dominated more by the parasympathetic nervous system. This then enables energetic, emotional and mental balance as well as restoration and strengthening of the immune system to unfold.
Accessing the relaxation response can enable the body to reset to a natural pace and usher in greater balance. Therefore restorative yoga also promotes a better night’s sleep.
Restorative yoga is a bodily holiday experienced through a series of somatic movements. This means that movement is performed consciously with the intention of focusing on the internal experience of the movement rather than the external appearance or result of the movement.
Gentle movements and simple yoga poses with supportive props are used to ease the body into comfortable positions which encourage healing and relaxation. This can provide balance and support to relax the body and mind. It can provide immense comfort and support during pregnancy and for post natal mothers. It is a great support to those experiencing trauma as well as providing back pain relief and rehabilitation from injuries. Triggering the relaxation response has been proven to alleviate many illnesses from stress related ones to more chronic conditions.