Restorative Yoga
Most of us lead lives that reinforce our working at breakneck speed and then collapsing at the end of the day in exhaustion. We have very few habits that restore balance between these two extremes. J We forget that we are human “be”ings not human doers. Restorative poses are poses of being rather than doing. Restorative yoga is like taking a short holiday right in your home.
Restorative yoga is defined as using props like bolsters, blankets, towels, straps and blocks to put your body in a position of comfort and ease. By supporting your body with props, we encourage the body to relax. Some poses have an overall benefit to the entire body while other postures target an individual part. Restorative yoga uses props to support an environment of total relaxation. I have learned over the years that taking a “breather” each day to relax and restore is vital to living well. When practiced regularly, restorative yoga will help you to heal chronic stress and pain in as little as five minutes a day.
When people are in pain it is so necessary to proceed very slowly. Firstly when you have pain it is is necessary to proceed slowly, to gain the confidence to want to continue so that your condition does not become worse.
The remedy for stress is relaxation. To relax is different form sleep. Deep states of sleep include periods of dreaming which increases our muscular tension. Relaxation on the other hand is a state in which there is no effort, little movement and the mind becomes very quiet.
Restorative poses are designed to move the spine all directions as well being is enhanced by a healthy spine. Some of the poses are forward bends, some backbends and some are twists.
30 minute Free Consultation (Restorative)
How Is Yoga Restorative?
Restorative yoga is defined as a yoga practice that uses supports, like bolsters, straps, blocks, blankets, to put your body in a position of comfort and ease. Restorative yoga can be highly beneficial for individuals with chronic back pain by providing gentle, supportive poses that promote relaxation, release tension, and alleviate discomfort. Here’s how restorative yoga helps with chronic back pain: Restorative yoga poses are designed to be held for extended periods, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes or more. Holding these poses allows the muscles to relax deeply, releasing tension and reducing stiffness in the back and surrounding areas.
Chronic back pain is often made worse by stress, which often leads to muscle tension and increased pain perception. Restorative yoga promotes relaxation and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counteract the stress response and induce a state of deep relaxation.
The gentle, supported nature of restorative yoga poses also encourages blood flow and circulation throughout the body, including the back. Improved circulation and blood flow can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and alleviate back pain associated with poor circulation.
Many of the restorative yoga poses are designed to gently stretch and lengthen the spine, promoting better alignment and reducing pressure on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. By aligning the spine, restorative yoga can help alleviate compression and strain on the back, leading to decreased pain and discomfort.
Restorative yoga encourages practitioners to cultivate awareness of their bodies and sensations, helping them become more attuned to areas of tension or discomfort. By practicing mindfulness and body scanning techniques, individuals can develop greater sensitivity to their bodies’ needs and respond more effectively to signs of pain or discomfort.
Restorative yoga helps to stimulate the body’s relaxation response, which can counteract the body’s stress response and reduce muscle tension, inflammation, and pain perception. By promoting relaxation and stress reduction, restorative yoga can help individuals manage chronic back pain more effectively.
Overall, restorative yoga provides a gentle and supportive approach to managing chronic back pain by promoting relaxation, releasing tension, improving circulation, and enhancing body awareness. It’s crucial to work with a qualified yoga instructor who can tailor your practice to your specific needs and limitations, providing modifications and props as required.