Restorative yoga is an increasingly popular form of yoga that uses long deep stretches to relax the body. The best part is, that restorative yoga can be done by people of all ages and physical conditions. But what exactly is it, and what are the benefits? In this article, we’ll talk about what restorative yoga is and why you should try it.
What is restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga is a practice that focuses on bringing the body into a state of deep relaxation. It’s an excellent way to recover from stress and tension, or for anyone who wants to learn how to relax their body. You can do restorative yoga at home or in a studio.
Restorative yoga is a gentle, slow-paced form of yoga that focuses on the deep stretching of your muscles. It’s particularly beneficial for people who are recovering from injury or illness, as well as anyone who wants to relax and stretch at the end of a busy day. The practice involves lying supine (on your back) or seated with your legs outstretched. The poses are held for several minutes each, allowing time for deep relaxation and restoration of energy levels.
As you continue doing this practice, it will help reduce pain and improve flexibility over time. You’ll also find yourself feeling much more relaxed overall because your body will be able to better handle the stresses of everyday life.
What are the benefits of restorative yoga?
You don’t need any previous experience with yoga to try restorative yoga. A qualified teacher will guide you through each pose in a supportive way so you can reap all its benefits, including:
#1. Calming effect
Restorative poses tend to bring about feelings of peace and calmness because they’re so relaxing and slow-paced compared to other types of yoga classes that involve faster movements. They’re also great when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life since they offer a chance for deep relaxation without requiring much effort from you at all!
#2. Pain relief
Restorative poses can help relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the area where you feel pain. This helps flush toxins out of your system while providing nutrients that help build healthy tissue around damaged areas.
#3. Improved flexibility and range of motion
The resting poses in restorative yoga help increase flexibility by stretching your muscles and ligaments. The poses also increase your range of motion, which makes it easier for you to move around without feeling pain or stiffness.
#4. Stress relief
Regular practice of restorative yoga can help relieve stress-related conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and insomnia due to its ability to induce deep relaxation in the body.
#5. Enhanced energy levels
The slow, deep breathing associated with restorative yoga can help increase energy levels throughout the day by relaxing tense muscles that may be contributing to fatigue. This form of exercise also releases endorphins into your body — chemicals that act as natural pain killers that help reduce physical discomfort, boost moods, and combat fatigue.
#6. Reduced inflammation
Stress increases the production of cortisol, which is a hormone that increases inflammation in the body and leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Restorative yoga reduces stress levels by calming your mind and body, helping to reduce inflammation levels in the body.
#7. Improved sleep quality
Relaxation through restorative yoga helps promote better sleep quality by calming the nervous system which reduces insomnia or restless sleep patterns.
Whether you are a beginner or someone who has been practicing yoga for many years, restorative yoga is a perfect complement to your existing fitness and wellness regimen. It helps improves sleep quality, increases energy, and reduces stress. Overall, a well-rounded yoga practice enhances your performance in activities of daily living and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Interested in trying restorative yoga with the benefits of acupuncture?
Join us at the Animal Lounge: Restorative Yoga & Acupuncture event at My Rest.
Inspired by the movements of animals around us, Niki Brown will guide a 45-minute Restorative Yoga class that will invite slow and deep stretches held over elongated periods of time while your body is supported by bolsters and pillows.
An extended Shavasana (resting pose) at the end will be combined with a brief acupuncture session. Take a moment to indulge in this slow practice before moving into the busyness of the fall.
When: Sunday August 28, 2022; 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: My Rest Health Studio, 3456 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $100 (receipt qualifies for acupuncture coverage from extended health insurers)
Contact: ala@embodiedwellbeing.ca or 604-961-9273
Booking link: https://events.humanitix.com/animal-loungs-restorative-yoga-and-acupuncture
Available spots are going fast so sign up now!