Restorative Yoga

This week in class we will be focusing on restorative yoga, a deeply serene and quiet practice which restores health and strength and gives a sense of harmony and stability to the mind and body. Poses are held for longer an​d are often supported by blocks, blankets, bolsters assisting the movement, alignment and extension of the body. The practitioner is able to fully let go in a relaxed manner (effortless effort) leading to a state where deep benefits can be received. The asanas are often arranged with the head the same level as the heart or the head below the heart which invites a quiet and calm state into the body and  mind.

During a restorative practice, as the student becomes more experienced, they learn to quietly withdraw the sense organs and observe the subtleties in the body and mind. In an Iyengar session a restorative practice can sometimes lead onto pranayama (breath work or observation of the breath) as the body and mind have been prepared for a deeper state. According to BKS Iyengar this practice “creates space inside the body and flushes out the impediments and clears the energy blocks and nervous system”. The beauty of a restorative practice is that is open to all.

The benefits of restorative yoga:

•  Helps to assist the healing of the body after illness by improving recovery time
•  Helps those with postural problems, or physical disabilities by correcting misalignments 
•   Improves vitality by removing  fatigue
•   Restores strength
 •  Helps with pain management
•   Improves sleep quality
•   Calms the nervous system
•   Gives a sense of relaxation, peace and well-being
•   Connects the mind, body and spirit and helps to develop self-awareness

Supta Virasana