In today's society, we all often feel we lack time, stress is part of our daily life and we have great difficulty in giving ourselves a little break.
Have you ever wondered if you are really short on time? Is your pace uniquely tied to society and the world we live in or could you choose to allow yourself more time so that your health suffers less concessions?
Yoga is known to be a practice that relaxes and brings well-being, a high proportion of yoga practices today are however focused on rather dynamic exercises and sessions can be very intense.
In this approach of yoga, we take a different path and practice a yoga in which intensity in the physical body work in not sought after. Instead, we aim at relaxation. This practice is called Restorative Yoga.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative Yoga finds its full meaning in the search for balance and well-being, it is a deeply relaxing style of yoga. The poses are maintained for a long time, 10 to 15 minutes, in total comfort thanks to the accessories that completely support your body to achieve absolute physical letting go. Gradually releasing any tension, whether emotional, physical or mental. During these poses, Pranayama breathing practices may be suggested.
Restorative Yoga, also known as “Yoga of rest and digestion”, is based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. Judith Hanson Lasater, one of Iyengar's most well-known teachers, made Restorative yoga popular in the United States.
It is a very gentle practice designed to help you regain your mobility, the flexibility of your movements and above all to release all your tensions and relax. It brings deep peace and balance to both mind and body. This type of Yoga is a so-called self-healing approach that helps lower chronic stress and counterbalance the busy lifestyle of modern times.
The postures of Restorative Yoga are often very simple to adopt, they are practiced statically on a slow pace which corresponds to that of the breathing.
Restorative Yoga allows us to nourish ourselves with time and space, it offers the body a chance to heal itself and the spirit some time to settle down through relaxation.
Who is Restorative Yoga for?
By its simple and comfortable postures, Restorative Yoga is simply indicated for everyone. Each and every one of us would benefit from his discovery. It is also a particularly beneficial practice for people suffering from anxiety, depression or for those who feel stressed.
How does a Restorative Yoga session take place?
The comfort and needs of the individual are met through the use of props (blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps,…) to support the body in relaxation poses, the goal being that everyone finds their own comfortable position, whatever their anatomy, their medical history, their feelings at the present moment.
In addition to these supports, Restorative Yoga also uses gravity to aid in relaxation and the release of tension. Minimal light, silence, warmth and calming breathing are used to guide muscles and the mind to stillness.
A Restorative Yoga session may vary depending on the teacher and the group. It often takes place in 3 stages:
1. The session begins with breathing practices in a restorative sitting or lying posture.
2. Then there is a slow transition to a sequence of a few asanas that each last up to 15 minutes. The posture can be combined with a breathing exercise. This allows for total relaxation of body and mind.
3. The session ends with a few minutes of relaxation, in the Savasana position. This brings together the benefits of the practice in which your body has given way to your mind, your nervous system and your muscles have relaxed.
The benefits of Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga provides many benefits to the body and mind.
- Eliminates body tension and allows you to let go
- Helps reduce and better manage stress and anxiety
- Fight against insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Contributes to limiting negative thoughts and depression
- Boosts joy as well as enthusiasm
- Creates a better body balance and inner serenity
Reduces pain in joints and muscles
- Increases self-confidence
- Allows a better understanding of oneself
- Relieves the effects of chronic stress
- Improves digestion
Sometimes, after a few Restorative poses, Laurence will guide you in a YOGA NIDRA according to the traditional practice of Swami Satyananda.
Yoga Nidra works at the level of deep relaxation, like a light and conscious sleep. This technique aims to improve the quality of sleep and allows complete relaxation of your mind and physical body. It promotes rest for the body, emotions and thoughts. Yoga Nidra is carried out in a lying position.
The benefits of Yoga Nidra
- Calms anxiety
- Relieves insomnia and sleep disorders
- Allows mental, physical and emotional relaxation
- Promotes intellectual clarity, creativity and meditation
- Increases global well-being
In agreement with all present participants, Yoga Nidra will be guided either in English or French.
If you are interested in the practice of yoga, do not hesitate to contact us or book your session. We offer various Yoga classes: Yin Yoga, Hatha-yoga, Meditation, Myofascial Self-massage… The benefits of yoga have been proven for a long time, come join us to develop your inner peace.
