What is Restorative Yoga?

I sent my blog link to some friends and one wrote back and said, "Your blog looks great but I have no idea what you are talking about." I thought to myself, "Don't I talk about what Restorative Yoga is?" But I looked back and realized that I really didn't address the question: What is Restorative Yoga? So here goes:

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative Yoga is a therapeutic style of yoga which utilizes props to make it easier for the body to get into certain poses, and thus, surrender to the pose. Practicing poses using props provides a completely supportive environment for total relaxation. The more your body is supported in the poses the deeper the sense of relaxation. Relaxation is a state in which there is no movement, no effort, and the brain is quiet. Typically, Restorative poses are sustained for ten minutes or for as long as you are comfortable.

MasalaYoga.com says: Restorative Yoga, the yoga of non-doing, is a core practice underlying the very essence of yoga. Even those with an active dynamic yoga practice will benefit from the inner quietude and deep release of Restorative Yoga. Restorative Yoga is the practice of entering into yoga postures using an assortment of props: blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps, walls, chairs, tables, eye pillows, the floor, and even another yoga practitioner. Supported and stabilized by various props, one experiences the yoga postures as profoundly relaxing and deeply rejuvenating, invoking a natural state of healing rest, renewal and equanimity.

Santosha.com reports: This is a gentle, therapeutic style of Yoga that uses props to support the body to deepen the benefits of the poses. It is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation.

LizOwenYoga.com says: Restorative yoga might best described as a supported, conscious body/mind relaxation practice.

So I hope that helps everyone to understand a little better what exactly Restorative yoga is. If you want to see some poses check out my Restorative Yoga Poses.

Enjoy!