I think most everyone has heard of ‘Restorative Yoga’. Restorative yoga is a practice of conscious relaxation. (Heard that in meditation, huh?) This time you get to use props at every move for every muscle in very relaxed, gentle positions. The main pose is called Basic Relaxation Pose, a pose on the back with a towel/blanket under the head, pillow under the knees, towel/blanket under the feet with arms by the side of the body with palms facing up. I think I can do that one! And you get to hold it for 30 minutes! Among some other poses, there are supine twists, backbends while lying down, and forward folds, and hip openers with support. The idea is to learn how to relax and breathe.
Restorative Yoga can relieve stress and pain and can improve our emotional well-being. Ah! That word well-being again! I love it! This Yoga does not reach for a stretch sensation but rather the body’s relaxation response. If you have had trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, Restorative Yoga can help. A tight body is a tense body. A tense body lends to a tense emotional state and a tired mind. When sleep evades us, it messes with our other body functions. Research has shown when we do not get enough sleep, our bodies have a difficult time letting go of any unwanted pounds! Yipes!!!
Restorative Yoga came out of the hatha yoga style. It is thought that hatha yoga originated in 10th-century India. You’ve heard of Yin and Yang, opposites, to work on balance. B.K.S lyengar, with his origination of props like blankets, blocks, and straps to ease and avoid strain in poses moved Restorative forward. Restorative Yoga in the United States is credited to Judith Hanson Lasater in the 1970s. There are sequence poses for pregnancy, back pain, headaches, and insomnia. The deep relaxation, supported pose, gentle breathing, and meditation all work together to ease stress.
These are the principles of Restorative Yoga:
- A focus on opening and relaxation, not strength or flexibility
- Poses are held for up to 30 minutes, giving you time to relax completely
- The practice uses props in every pose to facilitate relaxation states that can otherwise be elusive
- The poses are simple and gentle, making it appropriate for everyone
- Each practice consists of only a handful of postures
- It promotes states of peaceful contemplation, abundance, and well-being
Works rather nicely with all the objectives of Lost Creek Bluebird Retreat/Spa. Self-awareness to understand personal stress, how to let go of stress, regeneration, and breathing lead to finding daily joy!