Discover Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga: A Journey Towards Inner Peace
Restorative yoga is a gentle practice that focuses on deep relaxation and physical recovery. Unlike more dynamic yoga styles, Restorative yoga uses postures supported by yoga props to allow for complete release.
Today, we often lack time, stress is part of our daily lives, and we find it very difficult to allow ourselves a short break.
Have you ever wondered if you truly lack time? Is your pace solely linked to society and the world we live in, or could you choose to grant yourself more time to make fewer compromises on your health?
Yoga is known as a practice that relaxes and brings well-being; however, a large proportion of yoga practices today are focused on rather dynamic exercises, and sessions can be very intense.
Here, we explore a different approach to yoga, one where intense physical work is not the goal. Instead, we seek relaxation, and this practice is called Restorative Yoga.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga finds its full meaning in the pursuit of balance and well-being; it is a deeply relaxing yoga style. Poses are held for a long time, 10 to 15 minutes, in complete comfort thanks to props that fully support your body, for absolute physical release. Thus, you can let go and gradually release all tensions, whether emotional, physical, or mental. During these poses, Pranayama breathing practices are sometimes suggested.
Restorative yoga, also known as the “rest and digest yoga,” stems from the teachings of BKS Iyengar. Judith Hanson Lasater, one of Iyengar’s prominent teachers, popularized Restorative yoga in the United States.
This very gentle practice aims to help you regain your mobility, the flexibility of your movements, and above all, to release all your tensions and relax. It brings deep relaxation and balance to both mind and body. This type of Yoga is a self-care approach that helps combat chronic stress and the hurried modern lifestyle.
Restorative yoga postures are often very simple to adopt; they are practiced at a slow and gentle pace that matches the breath.
This particular yoga practice allows us to grant ourselves time and space; it gives the body a chance to heal and the mind time to settle through relaxation.
Who is Restorative Yoga For?
With its simple and comfortable postures, Restorative yoga is simply suitable for everyone. Everyone would benefit from discovering it.
It is also a particularly beneficial practice for people suffering from anxiety, depression, or those who feel stressed. It is also an ideal yoga for pregnant women.
The Benefits of Restorative Yoga
The practice of Restorative Yoga offers many benefits, to both body and mind. Here are a few:
- Stress Reduction
- Eliminates body tension and allows for release
- Helps reduce and better manage stress and anxiety
- Combats insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Helps limit negative thoughts and depression
- Develops joy and enthusiasm
- Creates better body balance and inner serenity
- Reduces pain in joints and muscles
- Increases self-confidence
- Allows for better self-understanding
- Relieves the effects of chronic stress
- Improves digestion
How Does a Restorative Yoga Session Unfold?
The comfort and needs of the individual are met through the use of props (blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, zafu meditation cushions…) to support the body in relaxation poses, the goal being for everyone to find their comfortable position, regardless of their anatomy, medical history, or current feelings.
In addition to these supports, Restorative yoga also uses gravity to aid relaxation and tension release. Minimal light, silence, warmth, and soothing breath are used to guide the muscles and mind towards tranquility.
A Restorative yoga session may vary depending on the teacher and the group. It often unfolds in 3 stages:
1. The session begins with breathing practices in a seated or reclined restorative posture.
2. Then, a slow transition is made to a sequence of a few asanas, each lasting up to 15 minutes. The posture can be combined with a breathing exercise. This allows for a total release of body and mind.
3. The session ends with a few minutes of relaxation, in Savasana position. This is the final point of this entire practice, during which your body has given way to your mind, and your nervous system and muscles have relaxed.
Reconnect with Yourself through Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is more than just a simple relaxation practice; it’s a true approach that allows you to reconnect with yourself. Thanks to appropriate equipment and adapted postures, you can transform your daily life into a space of calm and serenity. To discover the best equipment and accessories to enrich your practice, visit our shop.
Keep in mind that good preparation also includes knowledge of yogic techniques and anatomy, which can greatly enhance your practice. To explore more equipment adapted to your practice, visit our lifestyle accessories.
Is Restorative Yoga the Same as Yin Yoga?
Restorative yoga is part of the “yin” yoga styles, such as… Yin Yoga. However, they are not practiced in precisely the same way. The attitude, holding times, and equipment used differ. To discover Yin Yoga, read our article on this topic now.
