Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a way to recharge after a busy day, restorative yoga is a great option for you. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of this practice and provide tips for getting started with your own practice.

What Is Restorative Yoga?

Credit: Envato Elements/ koldunov

Restorative yoga is a gentle style of yoga that focuses on promoting deep relaxation and stress reduction through gentle stretches. Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, restorative yoga poses are typically held for longer periods of time, often with the help of props such as blankets, yoga blocks, yoga wheels, yoga straps, and bolsters. The goal is to create a supportive and restful environment in which the body and mind can fully release tension and restore balance.

The Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Credit: Envato Elements/ AYAimages

Restorative yoga focuses on inducing deep relaxation, and also boasts several other benefits including:

1) Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Restorative yoga is a powerful practice that has the ability to significantly impact the body's nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system. 

The activation of this system counterbalances the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This in turn helps to relieve stress and anxiety levels, and in turn, improves the physical and mental well-being of an individual.

2) Improves Sleep

The calming effects of restorative yoga can help enhance your sleep quality. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, this practice can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

3) Relieves Pain and Tension

During restorative yoga, the use of props like wheels, blocks, and yoga straps can give the support required to maintain pleasant and relaxed positions. This support not only enhances the restorative effects of the practice but also helps to relieve pain and release physical tension, promoting a more relaxed and pain-free state of being.

4) Boosts Immune System

Chronic stress can impair immunity, making a person more vulnerable to illness and disease. However, by lowering stress levels and creating a state of peace and calm, restorative yoga can help to bolster the immune system and improve overall health and wellness.

How to Get Started With Restorative Yoga

Credit: Envato Elements/ jurnalfotografic

When beginning your restorative or restful yoga practice, it's important to have the right props and equipment. A yoga mat, yoga block, yoga wheel, yoga straps, and eye pillows are all helpful tools to have on hand. You may also want to consider investing in a comfortable pair of yoga pants and a lightweight top that will allow you to move freely and stay comfortable throughout your practice.

To begin, you should look for a calm, relaxing area where you can concentrate on your practice. Begin by lying down on your mat, using props to support your body as needed. You may want to start with a simple restorative yoga pose such as the corpse pose, seated knees bent pose, or legs up the wall pose. From there, you can explore more complex restorative yoga poses, such as the child's pose, downward dog pose, and bridge pose.

It's crucial to keep in mind that a restorative yoga practice is not about pushing yourself to your physical or mental capabilities. It's okay if you don't feel like you're doing much - that's the point! Just focus on letting go of any tension and allowing your body to rest and recharge.

Do You Need to Enroll in a Restorative Yoga Class?

Credit: Envato Elements/ gpointstudio

You do not necessarily need to book restorative yoga classes to practice restorative yoga. There are many accessible resources, including books, videos, and online tutorials, that can guide you in practicing at home. However, if you've never practiced yoga before and want to learn the proper techniques and get personalized instruction from a trained yoga teacher, enrolling in a class is a great idea.

Summary

Restorative yoga is a calm and soothing form of yoga that is perfect for beginners. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you can gain a number of benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Looking for yoga props? At Acupoint, we offer a range of high-quality yoga props, such as yoga straps and wheels, to enhance your restorative yoga experience. With our tools, you can fully immerse yourself in each pose and achieve a state of complete relaxation. So why wait? Start your journey to a healthier, more relaxed life with Acupoint today!