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' How beautiful
it is to do nothing, and then rest afterwards. '
~ Spanish Proverb
Restorative Yoga
To 'rest', to 'relax' and
to 'restore' is essential to everyone especially in
today's society and stressful lifestyle. To 'rest'
deeply is to experience relaxation, where there is
effortless, quietness and peace. Restorative Yoga
focuses on relaxing the body in restful supported
postures, which provides the body an opportunity to
renew and heal, the activities of the brain to quiet
down and 'spring clean', rejuvenating and recharging
oneself. My teacher, Judith Lasater called this
'active relaxation'.
Restorative Yoga may
relieve chronic stress and reduce the effects of
stress-related diseases, providing an environment for
self-repair. The principle is to trigger the
Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is
responsible for balancing the body and bringing its
response system back into equilibrium. Also, it works to
stimulate the baroreceptors, deactivate the sympathetic
nervous system, quiet the brain and slowing the heart
rate.
It has been experienced
by many that Restorative Yoga balances energy level,
repairs functional systems in our bodies and allow total
relaxation of the physical and mental state. The muscles
‘at work’ is minimal or close to nil, the posture is
entirely supported and relaxed, tension released,
therefore there is no demand for firing muscle activity,
in fact helps to promoted the vagus nerve and allowing
the heart rate to slow down significantly, reducing
activity of the sympathetic nerves. All remain very
passive, allowing gravity to do the work.
Restorative Yoga may be
practised by anyone and anytime of the day. Although
restorative postures look easy and peaceful, it can be
challenging for beginners. The body will take time to
adjust and adapt to doing 'nothing' and rest quietly,
but the mind will need to also participate in settling
into stillness. The key is patience and willingness to
let go... to relax and restore.
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