Restorative yoga is a unique style of yoga that focuses on supporting the body in a deeply restful way while using therapeutic yoga practices such as breathwork, meditation, and withdrawal of the senses to to turn on the Parasympathetic Nervous System Response (healing and repair) in the body.

Poses are held for a prolonged period of time to foster a deep state of relaxation.

A variety of props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks, eye pillows and straps are used to support the body to encourage stillness and comfort.

There are no standing poses in restorative yoga. All postures are seated or lying down on the mat.

Typically, a restorative yoga sequence moves the spine in all directions—gentle forward folds, backbends, twists, lateral bends and inversions.

In restorative yoga, relaxation is key—“There is no movement, no effort and the brain is quiet”
(Lasater, 2011).

The practice is not to do anything. Instead the intention is to “undo.”

The essential difference between restorative yoga and other forms of yoga is there is no goal to stretch the body or strengthen muscles. This differs even from yin yoga.

In restorative yoga, the main purpose is to for the student to feel absolute comfort.

There should be no sensation of stretch or activity in any way.

Studies show the BENEFITS of Restorative Yoga:

✅Improves emotional well-being and health

✅Results in weight loss - especially abdominal fat loss in women

✅Reduces stress levels

✅Improves mental health, depression, anxiety, and has a positive effect on spirituality

✅Decreases fatigue

✅Improves sleep

✅Improves overall quality of life