There are yoga practices that can improve the breathing, create great strength and even focus on enhancing the digestive process. But for those looking to promote a deep relaxation and improve bodily functions on a wide range of levels, restorative yoga is the thing for you.
What is Restorative Yoga?
The ultimate goal of restorative yoga is to promote a deep relaxation that pervades the boundaries of the physical, mental and emotional planes. This heightened state of relaxation is achieved through assuming various physical positions using props to support weight thus eliminating all strains and pains that can be associated with other forms of yoga.
Another thing that separates restorative yoga from other forms of yoga is the slower pace and more relaxing nature of the session. Once you have been supported comfortably on the blocks, cushions or props being used, you will hold a position for any extended period of time.
This is a great option for those that are recovering from mental or physical hardships as it can provide a profound calm conducive to total wellness. By the same measure, this is an excellent practice to balance a life or exercise routine that is specially demanding.
Runners, weight lifters, rugby players and even those who practice other styles of yoga can enjoy the many benefits of this terrific routine for relaxation and renovation. Following are some of the most significant benefits of restorative yoga:
Improves the Immune Function and Promotes Healthy Recovery
One of the most important benefits of yoga is the capacity to improve the body’s capacity to fight infections, disease and balance the inflammatory response. This is because this relaxing practice helps to lower stress levels which weaken immune functions. Restorative yoga is one of the best ways to begin a full recovery from various physical, mental and emotional conditions.
Cultivates Body Awareness
A great part of the reason that so many people are ill today is that they don’t pay close enough attention to what their body is saying. By improving body awareness you will be better able to detect the subtle notions and guidance that the body provides for proper maintenance. This intimacy with your amazing meat machine will allow you to achieve levels of health and fitness you may never have thought possible.
Encourages Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the all-important maintenance that must be applied to the mind to keep it soft and flowing smoothly. Restorative yoga is by all definitions a mindfulness practice and focuses especially on connecting the mind and the body through the breath and the practice of physical movement and positioning. This short writ would be unable to cover even a portion of the benefits of regularly practicing mindfulness and meditation.
Improved Initiative
As your self-awareness begins to improve on a physical and mental level, you will find your actions and intentions become clear and more deliberate. You will be guided by a greater sense of purpose and inner clarity that will increase your effectiveness in personal, professional and academic pursuits.