What is it?
Restorative yoga is a type of yoga that emphasises deep relaxation techniques and the importance of the balance between the mind and body. It encompasses yoga poses that are held for a specific amount of time with the assistance of yoga props and deep breathing techniques. It aids in physical, mental and emotional relaxation through yoga possess and passive stretching. The parasympathetic nervous system is a key component in restorative yoga. The parasympathetic nervous system allows a relaxation response where the heart slows down, there is increased blood flow to the gut, lungs and heart, the gut is active and reabsorbing a range of nutrients and energy is conserved. Restorative yoga is key in activating the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in relaxation and a reduced stress response in the body.
– It involves holding poses with the assistance of props like yoga blocks, straps and mats.
– It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
– It precipitates relaxation and mind and body connection reducing the stress response on our body.
Benefits of restorative yoga
– Allows stretching of key parts of the body to reduce muscular strains/pain, nerve compression and injury.
– Allows development of increased flexibility in performing a variety of yoga poses
– Enables relaxation and strengthening of the mind and body connection through deep breathing techniques and held yoga poses.
– Creates an atmosphere and environment of calmness to lose your mind.
– Allows the release of hormones to boost happiness and good mood.
– Studies performed have also found a massive improvement in quality of life, and physiological and physical symptoms in patients with chronic disease and cancer.
Examples of restorative yoga poses
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Written and created by Dr Priya Sivakumaran
