Why Restorative Yoga

By Author: Restorative Yoga
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

Restorative yoga is ideal for anybody craving deep relaxation, time to slow down, and to go deeper into poses. The poses are designed to support the body in ways that provide the body with an opportunity to renew, relax, and heal. There have been numerous studies reporting the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of restorative yoga.

Largely responsible for balancing the body is the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), triggered during restorative yoga practice. The PNS is the rest and digest system which aids in bringing the body back into balance and reduces stress in the body. Equally important, the heart rate and blood pressure are reduced with restorative yoga and regular practice helps to stimulate healthy immune and endocrine systems. When life is hectic and the signs to slow down and rest are ignored, a neglected body can create illness and disease. Yoga and meditation are helpful in bringing the body back into balance and ultimately lead to a healthier, fully functioning body.

Restorative Yoga promotes a healthy immune system by increasing the relaxation ...
... response and decreasing the often chronic stress response that operates in a chronically overrun system. If you are feeling lethargic, out of balance, have mental fog, stress or low energy try restorative yoga poses to gently bring your body back to balance.

The antidote to stress is to relax deeply. In deep relaxation, which differs from sleep, there is no movement, no effort and the brain is silent. In this state, the body is well supported and in a comfortable position, attention is focused on the breath.

Reports have indicated success of deep relaxation in the treatment of high blood pressure, colitis, insomnia, and anxiety. Scientists have also demonstrated reduction of muscular tension and improved circulation as effects of relaxation. Furthermore, the relaxation response has been proven to reduce the heart rate, rate of breathing and improve metabolism. Medications offer similar benefits and may be prescribed by a doctor. Bear in mind, however, the side effects of these drugs on your short and longer-term health. Restorative yoga poses are rarely contraindicated though for more fragile bodies, only use under the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor to ensure safety.

A typical Restorative Yoga class will include a sequence of 3 to 4 specially designed postures carefully selected to meet your individual needs. In each pose, you are instructed how to gently come into the pose and how to create the most comfort and support for your body. Once in the pose, if you need any additional help getting settled, the restorative yoga teacher will help guide you deeper towards finding that perfect position of optimal supported. You will know when you’ve found the right placement of pillows and alignment of the body as the muscles will completely relax and melt into place. You will be free of any stretching or straining sensation once into position. As your body finds the shape of the posture your nervous system eases into the relaxation mode and a deep healing is now possible.

After practicing restorative yoga with a yoga teacher, one can become quite adept at finding the "sweet spot" for each restorative yoga pose. At this point, this gentle yoga practice can be transitioned to the comfort of your home. You will want to invest in some basic props to aide in your comfort and create a warm, tranquil environment for you to practice. Attempt to practice 2-3 times a week especially when you are experiencing a stressful time or feeling like you may be burning the candle at both ends. Listen closely to your body and provide ample time to enjoy this incredibly relaxing practice.

To get started at home it is not necessary to buy expensive equipment. Instead, you can use pillows from home that can serve as a yoga bolster. Yoga bolsters are something that many people use to support their body while practicing various restorative postures, meditation and stretches. Blocks are props that help you hold a position comfortably for longer without stress or strain to the body. They are important because they help maintain proper alignment of the body while practicing restorative yoga. In addition to pillows, bolsters, and blocks, straps and eye pillows aide in further supporting the body.

Restorative yoga poses have wide-ranging benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health as well as for the general well-being. When the mind-body-spirit is centered and balanced it is easy to perform optimally in life. A balanced body supports health and prevents disease. A balanced mind is free to feel inspired and create. A balanced individual is a powerful being with strength to live a life fully.

More information can be found at www.Restorativeyogaposes.com, a site offering detailed descriptions of restorative yoga poses including benefits, props utilized, and thorough technique descriptions for each pose. You will also find a database of Restorative Yoga Teachers.

RestorativeYogaPoses.com offers detailed descriptions of Restorative Yoga Poses including benefits, props utilized, and thorough technique descriptions for each pose.