RESTORATIVE yOGA
yoga for nervous system health
shifting the Body & mind back into balance
A subtle practice to unwind deeply held tensions in the body.
Emphasises relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation.
Great for everyone including people with injuries and illness – restores the body towards equilibrium so natural healing can occur.
No physical effort required, in fact comfort is paramount. Props are used to maximise relaxation of the body.
Staying for time encourages the rest and relaxation response from nervous system.
Based on the hatha yoga tradition of harmonising prana (energy) in the body – balancing the upward rising masculine energy of prana and the grounding feminine energy of apana.
Prep a few things before class
Environment in restorative yoga is important – turn off your phone so you won’t be interrupted; make sure you are warm so the body can soften; lower the lights to create a calm, restful environment – all of which help calm the nervous system.
And remember a relaxed and conscious breath is the main way to bring about the shift of the nervous system along with comfort, softening and opening and a willingness to let go of your attachment to the ‘doing’ of things.
In fact restorative yoga is a process of ‘un-doing’.
Living in the city can throw the nervous system off balance
A restorative yoga class will help slow the heart rate down and allow the body and mind to rest fully. Distinctive from other introspective practices, restorative yoga postures are usually supine and supported by props such as bolsters, blankets and blocks.
The intent of the practice is to bring about a relaxation response – most of the work in restorative yoga centers around this – slowing down the nervous system to shift out of the ‘fright, flight or fight’ response. Poses are characterized by longer supported holdings which help to release muscular tension – when the body is supported there is a natural softening and comforting feeling of being held.
4 to 5 postures in 1 hour
In a typical hour class you may practice four to five poses at the most. The pace is slow and quiet. If possible the class is held in low light and the feel of the class is one of nurturing and care.
everything to gain
A relaxed, centered and grounded state of being is the end result of this type of practice; a high leverage choice for quality in living. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by adding restorative yoga to a weekly yoga regime.