Restorative Yoga – The Undiscovered Practice

For the first several years of my practice I had never heard of Restorative Yoga. Fast forward to my first 200HR Yoga Teacher Training, my true first experience with a restorative practice, and within an hour of workshopping poses I could easily see the attraction and intention of the practice. I soon began to feel is was such an undiscovered practice for many. If you are curious about Restorative Yoga here are a few items to consider:

1. Creating Ease, Comfort and Stability – Unlike popular active Hatha and Vinyasa practices, the Restorative practice is about creating ease in the body. It’s about engaging the parasympathetic nervous system – often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. With the support of yoga props you release the tension in your body, also easing the tension in the mind.
2. Supportive, Not Stretching – In a Restorative class you use the props to support all parts of your body, to help create ease and release tension. Unlike our Yin Yoga practice, we are not looking for a stretch, just a simple release.
3. Time in the Pose – The time in the pose is very important in this practice. We may be in poses for longer than 10 minutes, but commonly from 3-10 minutes depending on the pose and length of the class.
4. For All Ages, Level of Practice – Restorative Yoga has no discrimination of age and experience. It can also be very inclusive of all states of health. Its gentle movements and varying options makes it accessible to children, older adults, those with mobility issues, people recovering from physical or mental duress, and everyone in between.
5. Props, Props, and More Props! – At times you may use more than one, bolster, blanket, block, strap, and yoga chair – or any combination! Any studio offering this practice should have the props to support you, or if you are live-streaming, they may offer at home items that can also support you.
6. The Atmosphere – At our studio, the Restorative practice includes dim lighting/candlelight, soft music, quiet movements. While each studio will have its own touch on their class presentations, however, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere overall.

Benefits of Restorative Yoga include:

1. 1. Stress reduction
   2. Soothing of the nervous system 
   3. Rest of recuperation
   4. Inform and influence the body through rest
   5. Calming of our visceral organs so we can heal
   6. Provides time for reflection

If you are looking to try Restorative Yoga, register for our regular Sunset Restorative. We have a FREE pre-recorded class you can try as well.