Restorative yoga: the yoga of recovery.
Restorative yoga as the word itself says it is the yoga for recovery, relaxation, a yoga suitable for everyone, even for those who have never practiced yoga.
It includes about a dozen positions, which must be kept for a long time but above all adjusted according to the person and for his comfort.
Where does restorative yoga come from and how is it practiced?
The practice of restorative yoga derives from the teachings of master BKS Iyengar.
Later it was perfectioned over the years by his students to transform itself into a therapeutic yoga style, very often it is also used as a physical and mental therapy.
The purpose and above all the attention in restorative yoga is precisely on relaxation in restful postures, which allow the body to recover, renew itself and heal.
What are the benefits of restorative yoga?
Numerous studies have shown the physical and emotional benefits of this style of therapeutic yoga: physical problems, such as hypertension and heart disease, can be strongly influenced by this practice.
An important benefit of restorative yoga is to help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system.
This system has the ability to balance the body and bring its response system back into complete balance. In turn, this lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. The postures stimulate the immune system and keep the endocrine system in optimal condition.
Restorative yoga: the yoga of recovery
To practice different supports are used such as pillows, blankets, elastic bands, blocks and chairs, in short, everything that can help you get completely at ease in the position and almost not feel it.
While restorative yoga tends to relax the body, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t include physical activity.
Research on restorative yoga
A study conducted by the National Institute of Health Studies at the University of California showed that between two groups, one practicing normal stretching exercises and the other regular restorative yoga activities, in the span of six months the second had not only consumed almost double the body fat accumulated but was also able to maintain a healthy weight more easily than the other.
In fact, the simplicity of restorative yoga allows a constant execution and the relaxation that comes from this practice leads to a lower production of cortisol.
Cortisol is the hormone responsible for our body’s stress levels; having less in circulation, the body is able to work on disposing of excess toxins and lipids more easily.
In short, it is not a style of yoga suitable for those who love to move quickly or feel the muscles at the limit of tension, but it is a yoga style that is good for all age groups.
Furthermore, its application is optimal for recovering from accidents, pathologies, disabilities and also as yoga for seniors.
IF you want to learn more or want to teach this wonderful discipline, check out our online YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSES
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