What is restorative yoga

Definition - What does Restorative Yoga mean? Yogapedia explains Restorative Yoga For Restorative yoga, the intention is to relax as far as possible into the postures, using as little physical effort as possible. Share this:. Related Terms. Related Articles. Experience the 5 Koshas Through Yoga Nidra. Why We Say Namaste. How does yoga affect the different systems in the body? Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. Int J Yoga. Effect of restorative yoga vs.

The effect of yoga on sleep quality and insomnia in women with sleep problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. The effect of yoga on stress, anxiety, and depression in women. Int J Prev Med. Establishing key components of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions: A Delphi survey. Effects of yoga on psychological health, quality of life, and physical health of patients with cancer: a meta-analysis.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Yoga for the management of cancer treatment-related toxicities. Curr Oncol Rep. Yoga therapy for breast cancer patients: A prospective cohort study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. A restorative yoga intervention for African-American breast cancer survivors: A pilot study. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities ; Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFit.

At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. What Is Restorative Yoga?

The Use of Props. What to Expect. How to Do Child's Pose. How to Do Supported Bridge Pose. How to Do Corpse Pose.

How to Practice Restorative Yoga at Home. Yes, restorative yoga can also do wonders for your immune system. That's because a well-rested body is better equipped to fight off germs and bacteria that can easily make you sick. So if you wake up one morning and feel a little off, or you've got a tickle in your throat, restorative yoga can help boost your immune response.

Restorative yoga works to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and, as a result, this discipline affects the mind and body at the same time. The two work in concert to relax and calm your mind, your nerves, and your body throughout. When you are able to successfully decompress from all the pressures of your daily life, you can start to heal and recover.

This goes for your muscles, internal organs, and other vital systems. When you are in tune with your body, you are able to listen to it more readily. Restorative yoga is all about turning your conscious mind inward and paying heed to what your senses are saying. Through this awareness, you are better able to understand what your body needs to succeed and allow your nervous system to be fully restored. Type 2 diabetes is developed through metabolic incongruities.

People with excess body fat and high blood sugar rates are more likely to suffer the effects of type 2 diabetes which can negatively impact your quality of life. But with restorative yoga, you can fight back against these metabolic factors, as a steady practice will help reduce your insulin and glucose rates. Restorative yoga may be just the thing you need to help reduce stress and give your body a nice rest from other, faster-paced styles of yoga you may currently practice.

For those who have never tried yoga before and remain curious as to what style you should try first, you might consider restorative as an entry point. Though just remember, poses are held for much longer and the class is intended to bring calm and stillness, so your level of patience for such an introduction may vary.

But if you are seeking a way to be more present in the moment and leave all other considerations behind , this could be perfect for you. Be sure to check the Yoga Society Blog for more yoga tips, inspiration, and insights!

Close menu. Shop All Masks Activewear. Drape the other blanket over your pelvis and abdomen or unfold it completely and cover your whole body. Rest your arms down by your sides and turn your palms to face up and open.

Supported Matsyasana Fish Pose. Props needed : Two blocks. Optional : Bolster, blanket, and eye pillow. How to : Set up your blocks so that one block is at the lowest height and one block is at the medium height. Option : Rest your bolster on top of the blocks for a more cushioned reclining experience. Fold your blanket as a pillow to be placed underneath your head. Sit down in front of the blocks and recline back. Set one block beneath your upper back and one block beneath your head.

Adjust the blocks so that you feel supported and are able to drop all of your body weight onto the blocks. Extend your legs out in front of you and relax your feet.

Rest your arms down by your sides with your palms facing up. Breathe deeply and hold for five to 10 minutes. If at some point during the hold of the pose you wish to open up your neck and throat in a different way, turn the block beneath your head to the lower height and tip your head back slightly more.

When you release from this pose, rest flat on your back for several breaths. Paschimottanasana Seated Forward Bend. Props needed : One blanket, one or two blocks. How to : Come down to a seated position. Extend your legs out in front of you with your feet as wide as your hips. Roll up your blanket and place it beneath your knees. If your low back is tight or tender, you may wish to sit up on another blanket, bolster, or block.

Begin to fold forward—any amount. Place one or two blocks either right between your shins or on top of your shins. Rest your forehead on your blocks. At some point during your hold, as your body warms and relaxes, you may wish to lower the height of the blocks. Allow your arms to rest down by your sides or next to your legs.

Supine Twist. How to : Come down onto your back. Place one blanket under your head as a gentle pillow. Hug your knees into your chest. Stretch your arms out to the sides. Tip your knees over to one side. Place the bolster in between your knees and ankles, or rest it on its side behind your back. Drape the second blanket over your legs and feet. Turn your head gently away from your knees. Repeat the twist on the second side. Related Articles.