Restorative Yoga – Rest and Digest
Restorative Yoga – Rest and Digest
Let me start with a confession. There was a time when I did not understand this style at all. While looking through a window into a yogaroom filled with people lying on a yogamat supported with pillows and blankets of all shapes and sizes, I wondered what the heck they were doing. You can lie down on the couch or in your bed at home, are you coming to an expensive yoga school for this?
Because of my education I started to think very differently about this and luckily. Otherwise, I certainly wouldn’t be able to guide my clients the way I do now.
The word restorative actually says enough, restore. Isn’t that what we all need? Based on research from Philips[1], 8 out of 10 would like a better quality of sleep. In addition, about 20% of young people between 18 and 25 years old have sleeping problems. Especially in the big cities there is a shortage of a good night’s sleep.
The first time I was allowed to experience restorative yoga myself during my training, I had to admit that my judgment was very wrong. Now I am also “one of those people who lies in on a yoga mat supported by pillows and blankets” It is a gift for yourself. A moment when you can put all the busy daily hassle aside and sink into complete relaxation and tranquility under the guidance of your yoga therapist.
So restorative yoga is gentle, supportive and therapeutic. This yoga style is known for its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system that helps keep basic functions working properly.
What yoga can be good for even more, according to research
• Improves your mood Relaxes your mind and body
• Reduces chronic pain
• Improves wellbeing
• Improves sleep
• Soothes the nervous system
• Gentle on the body
• Works as part of a general treatment plan for chronic health conditions.
• Safe to perform during pregnancy
People with a chronic illness may benefit from regular yoga practice. A review of studies from 2018 found that people with cancer who practiced yoga reported an improvement in their psychological and physical symptoms, as well as an improved quality of life.
So now that you’ve read this, you might also feel like indulging in a moment of complete relaxation?
[1] https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2019/20190307-philips-global-sleep-survey-shows-we-want-better-sleep-but-only-if-it-comes-easily.html
