Restorative Yoga Classes
Why Restorative Yoga?
In our increasingly busy world, with 24/7 communication, work and entertainment we spin, relentlessly multi-tasking. We place great value on productivity and have little time for ourselves any more. The result? Chronic stress, migraine, anxiety, back pain, burn out, indigestion, infertility, high blood pressure, neck pain, asthma, chronic illness - the list goes on. And why? We have not given our bodies the opportunity to perform and maintain their essential 'housekeeping' functions' such digestion, renewal and restoration, reproduction, healing and maintaining a healthy immune system. All these functions take place when we relax.
The Importance of Relaxation
When we are in a stressed state more blood is diverted to organs that can help us escape the stressor (brain, eyes, arms, legs etc) - this is our fight or flight state. When we relax, blood is redistributed back to the organs essential for our general wellbeing - the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, the immune function and healing system. We call this state 'rest, digest and restore.'
Taking time out each day to relax is essential to living well. It is imperative that we take care of ourselves, otherwise life's stresses will prevent us from taking care of others. Coming into deep relaxation on a regular basis can help us to heal the effects of chronic stress. Relaxation is not a luxury, it is essential for a strong, healthy body and mind. But easier said than done! It is not always easy to relax and let go. It is sometimes something that we need to teach our bodies and minds to do.
So how does Restorative Yoga work?
Taking ourselves to a peaceful, calming, safe environment away from our lists, phones and the busy outside world is the first, most obvious way to relax. In such an environment we practice postures that put the body into positions that trigger the relaxation response. The use of multiple props provide comfortable support for the body allowing it to move deeper into relaxation. Restorative yoga is designed to move the spine in all directions, a healthy spine being an imperative to wellbeing. The postures are also designed to alternately stimulate and soothe the organs and the massaging effect of the postures renews the blood supply to the organs. Each class will include at least one inversion - a posture which reverses the effect of gravity on the body. Such postures efficiently return blood and lymph from the lower body to the heart, enhancing heart function and boosting the immune system. Inversions have also been found to alter hormone levels reducing brain arousal, blood pressure and fluid retention.
What is a Restorative Class like?
Restorative classes are gentle and deeply relaxing. Each hour long class comprises six or seven postures, each held for 3-7 minutes, the cumulative effect of which take the body and mind deeper and deeper into relaxation. Over time, the body and mind become familiar with the practice and learns to relax more quickly and deeply, bring huge restorative benefits. Postures are specially designed to bring health and vitality to the spine and systems of the body.
Who can enjoy Restorative Yoga?
These classes are open to all. Each posture can be modified to accommodate health conditions and differing levels of mobility.
The Importance of Relaxation
When we are in a stressed state more blood is diverted to organs that can help us escape the stressor (brain, eyes, arms, legs etc) - this is our fight or flight state. When we relax, blood is redistributed back to the organs essential for our general wellbeing - the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, the immune function and healing system. We call this state 'rest, digest and restore.'
Taking time out each day to relax is essential to living well. It is imperative that we take care of ourselves, otherwise life's stresses will prevent us from taking care of others. Coming into deep relaxation on a regular basis can help us to heal the effects of chronic stress. Relaxation is not a luxury, it is essential for a strong, healthy body and mind. But easier said than done! It is not always easy to relax and let go. It is sometimes something that we need to teach our bodies and minds to do.
So how does Restorative Yoga work?
Taking ourselves to a peaceful, calming, safe environment away from our lists, phones and the busy outside world is the first, most obvious way to relax. In such an environment we practice postures that put the body into positions that trigger the relaxation response. The use of multiple props provide comfortable support for the body allowing it to move deeper into relaxation. Restorative yoga is designed to move the spine in all directions, a healthy spine being an imperative to wellbeing. The postures are also designed to alternately stimulate and soothe the organs and the massaging effect of the postures renews the blood supply to the organs. Each class will include at least one inversion - a posture which reverses the effect of gravity on the body. Such postures efficiently return blood and lymph from the lower body to the heart, enhancing heart function and boosting the immune system. Inversions have also been found to alter hormone levels reducing brain arousal, blood pressure and fluid retention.
What is a Restorative Class like?
Restorative classes are gentle and deeply relaxing. Each hour long class comprises six or seven postures, each held for 3-7 minutes, the cumulative effect of which take the body and mind deeper and deeper into relaxation. Over time, the body and mind become familiar with the practice and learns to relax more quickly and deeply, bring huge restorative benefits. Postures are specially designed to bring health and vitality to the spine and systems of the body.
Who can enjoy Restorative Yoga?
These classes are open to all. Each posture can be modified to accommodate health conditions and differing levels of mobility.