What is Restorative yoga

Restorative yoga is a gentle and nurturing style of yoga that focuses on opening and calming the mind and body through passive stretching, meditation and deep breathing.

In Restorative Yoga the intention is to release tension by bringing the body into a deep state of relaxation within each pose, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest state. This is where the mind and body can begin to heal, rejuvenate and restore to balance.

Each pose is set up as comfortably as possible using props such as bolsters, blocks and blankets and you work to find that delicious feeling of a subtle stretch. Once you find that comfortable place in the pose where you can relax you hold the pose for anywhere between 3 to 15 minutes. Allowing the body to completely surrender into the gentle stretch.

Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, slows the heart rate, regulates the blood pressure and relaxes the body. It is believed to boost the immune system and accelerate the body’s natural healing process.  Restorative yoga is considered particularly beneficial for those suffering from 

Anxiety

Insomnia

Depression

Poor Circulation

Digestive Problems

Stress Related Conditions

Prepare yourself for deep relaxation when you attend a restorative class. At the end of the session, your body feels open and refreshed, your mind feels calm and blissful. 

“..the poses are practiced with body in a deliberately mild or graduated version of the classic pose, focusing less on stretching the muscles and more on releasing tension and increasing the circulation of blood to key organs and glands.

In a restorative posture that has been well propped one feels absolutely comfortable with no intense stretching sensations. Don’t mistake this however for a mild result. It is the graduated nature of the posture that will allow you to stay for much longer periods than you might normally if you were practicing a posture more actively.

This longer stay allows key organs and glands to become drenched with revitalizing blood. Because the action reaches deep into the nervous system, the practice of these postures can dismantle chronic tension patterns, improve immune function, and bring the body and mind back to their original state of equilibrium.”

- Donna Farhi