The Power of Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is one of the most profoundly healing and nourishing practices in yoga, yet it is often overlooked in a culture that glorifies productivity and busyness. Unlike more active forms of yoga, restorative is not about movement, intensity, or even stretching—it is about intentional rest.
When practiced regularly, restorative yoga offers balance, nervous system support, and deep emotional healing. It teaches us the art of surrender, helping us release effort and reconnect with ease.
What Is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga uses props like bolsters, blankets, blocks, sandbags, and eye pillows to fully support the body in long-held, passive postures. Unlike yin yoga, which targets connective tissue with gentle stress, restorative yoga is about complete support and no stress.
Typical restorative practices include:
3–6 postures held for 5–20 minutes each
Gentle guidance into poses like supported child’s pose, reclined bound angle, twists, or legs up the wall
A quiet, nurturing environment—dim lights, soft music, or silence
Props arranged so that the body can truly let go
The goal isn’t to stretch or exert—it’s to create space for the body and mind to restore.
Why We Need Restorative Yoga
1. Nervous System Regulation
Most of us live in “go mode,” with our sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight/freeze) on overdrive. Restorative yoga activates the parasympathetic system (rest and digest), balancing chronic stress and supporting vagal tone—key for emotional resilience and immune health.
2. Emotional Healing
Restorative yoga creates space for processing and release. Unlike meditation, which requires focus, restorative is more like an extended savasana: simply being, letting thoughts and feelings arise and pass in safety.
3. Physical Benefits
Reduces cortisol and inflammation
Supports digestion and fertility
Aids in recovery from illness, fatigue, or injury
Builds resilience against burnout
4. Energetic & Philosophical Dimensions
Connects with Apana Vayu (downward, releasing energy)
Embodies Ahimsa (non-harming) through gentleness
Invites Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender)
Balances sthira (effort) with sukha (ease)
Getting Started
You don’t need a studio full of props to practice restorative yoga—household items work beautifully. Use pillows, couch cushions, rolled-up towels, or blankets for support. Start with one or two postures:
Legs up the wall (Viparita Karani)
Supported child’s pose with a bolster
Reclined bound angle pose with cushions under the knees
Supported twist with a bolster under your side
Allow yourself to stay for several minutes in each, focusing on gentle breath and the simple act of being.
Restorative Yoga at True Love Yoga
At True Love Yoga, we love offering restorative classes as a way for students to balance busyness with rest. You can join us:
Monday nights at 7:15 PM with Marie (online and in-person)
Through our online library, filled with restorative practices you can access anytime
And for yoga teachers ready to expand their offerings, restorative yoga is woven into the True Love Yoga 300-Hour Advanced YTT, where we explore its philosophy, sequencing, and even hands-on assists.
Reflection
Restorative yoga is not a luxury. It’s a vital tool for resilience, balance, and healing. Ask yourself:
Where can I surrender more in my life?
Where can I offer myself more support?
Then choose one simple restorative posture this week, give yourself permission to pause, and see how it feels.
Explore more teachings through Deepen Your Yoga Practice—and remember: rest is sacred.
Om Shanti, Om Peace.
