What is Restorative Yoga?
There will be times for all of us when a particularly sensitive approach to our yoga practice is required. This form of
yoga class aims to do just that and is suitable for anyone who is recovering from illness or injury, pregnant (over 14 weeks with at least 1 year’s experience of Yoga) menstruating, elderly, tired and stressed or who has a medical condition.
Sessions normally start out with a few minutes of gentle movement before settling into a restorative pose or practice. A little stretching will warm the muscles and create space in the body to prepare it for relaxation. Movement will also give your body a chance to shed its restlessness and busy-ness before settling into a place of stillness.
There is use of props, such as; Blocks, straps, blankets, balls, towels, chairs, walls, sandbags, eye bags, and pillows, and all are helpful when supporting yourself in these poses. The more fully your body is supported, the deeper your sense of relaxation and surrender will be.No previous experience of yoga required.By supporting the body with props, we alternately stimulate and relax the body to move toward balance. Some poses have an overall benefit. Others target an individual part, such as the lungs or heart. All create specific physiological responses which are beneficial to health and can reduce the effects of stress-related disease.
In general, restorative poses are for those times when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily activities. They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major life events: death of a loved one, change of job or residence, marriage, divorce, major holidays, and vacations. In addition, you can practice the poses when ill, or recovering from illness or injury.