Restorative Yoga: Exploring Benefits And The Different Poses To Try On

 Yoga has been practiced for centuries, dating back to ancient India. It has now become increasingly popular over time, with millions of people practicing it worldwide. There are numerous types of yoga, with each type promoting relaxation of the body and mind, reduced anxiety, and elevated relaxation.

What is restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga is a practice that involves holding poses for an extended period, typically with the aid of props, to relax and restore the body and mind.

Restorative poses are usually passive and involve using blankets, blocks, and other props to support the body in the carriage. It is often described as very gentle and calming and can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

What Is Restorative Yoga Good For?

There are many potential benefits to practicing restorative yoga postures, including the following:

1. Reducing stress and anxiety

The relaxation and calm that comes from holding restorative poses can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Improving sleep

Restorative yoga can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and improving the quality of your sleep.

3. Boosting the immune system

The relaxation and reduced stress associated with restorative yoga may help to boost the immune system.

4. Increasing flexibility

While restorative yoga poses are typically not designed to increase flexibility, the extended hold time of the poses may help to improve flexibility over time.

5. Improving digestion

The relaxation and calm of restorative yoga help to improve digestion and reduce digestive issues.

6. Reducing chronic pain

Yoga restorative helps reduce chronic pain by relaxing the body and mind and helping to manage stress.

7. Improving mood

Restorative yoga's relaxation and calm can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Different Restorative Yoga Poses

1. Child's pose (Balasana)

Child's pose (Balasana) is a pose in yoga that involves sitting back on your heels with your arms stretched out in front of you and your forehead resting on the ground.

It is a very relaxing and calming pose and can be a great way to stretch the back and shoulders. Start kneeling on the floor with your knees hip-width apart to get into a child's pose.

Then, lower your upper body down onto your thighs, stretching your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the ground, and let your chest and shoulders relax.

You can hold this pose for as long as possible, allowing your body to relax and rest. A child's pose can be a great way to end a yoga practice or to take a break during a more active approach.

2. Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)

Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana) is a yoga pose that involves sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and reaching for your toes. It is a pose that stretches the hamstrings and lower back, and it can be very calming and relaxing.

To get into a seated forward bend, start sitting on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you. You can sit with your legs straight or bend your knees slightly if that feels more comfortable.

Inhale and raise your arms, exceeding your head, then exhale and lean forward from your hips, reaching for your toes or shins.

You can hold onto your feet or shins or use a strap or prop to help you get your toes. You can have this pose for as long as possible, allowing your body to relax and rest.

3. Supported bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

This yoga pose involves lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground and then lifting your hips and lower back off the floor with the help of a block or other prop.

It is a pose that stretches the chest, neck, and spine, and it can be very relaxing and calming. To get into the supported bridge pose, start lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.

Place a block or other prop under your lower back for support. Inhale and lift your hips off the ground, pressing your feet into the ground and lifting your chest towards the sky. Hold this pose for as long as possible, allowing your body to relax and rest. To release the pose, exhale and lower your hips back to the ground.

4. Reclining bound angle pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclining bound angle pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) is a yoga pose that involves lying on your back with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent and then using a strap or other prop to hold your feet in place.

It is a pose that stretches the inner thighs and groin, and it can be very relaxing and calming. To get into the reclining bound angle pose, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet together.

Use a strap or prop to hold your feet in place, and allow your knees to fall to the sides. You can place a blanket or pillow under your knees for added comfort. You can hold this pose for as long as possible, allowing your body to relax and rest. To release the pose, release the strap and straighten your legs.

5. Corpse pose (Savasana)

Corpse pose (Savasana) is a yoga pose that involves lying on your back with your arms by your sides and your legs relaxed, and simply letting go and allowing the body to relax completely.

It is a pose that is often used at the end of a yoga practice as a way to allow the body and mind to rest and integrate the benefits of the practice. To get into the corpse pose, start by lying on your back with your arms by your sides and your legs relaxed.

Close your eyes and let go of any tension in your body. Allow yourself to sink into the ground and focus on your breath. You can hold this pose for as long as possible, allowing your body and mind to relax completely. Slowly wiggle your fingers and toes to release the pose, and then take a few deep breaths before slowly sitting up.

In conclusion, restorative yoga is a practice that involves holding poses for an extended period with the aid of props to relax and restore the body and mind. It is often used to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. 

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Source - Restorative Yoga