Restorative Yoga
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax
~ Mark Black
Restore
To restore is to return or repair something to its original condition.
It is to receive back more than has been lost to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition.
It’s to improve where you are, and bring yourself back to a state where you feel better ~ to rejuvenate parts of your mind, body and soul. To physiologically regenerate. To rest and fill your cup.
Restoring ourselves brings us back into balance. It gives us the necessary energy to give the best version of ourselves.
The intention of restorative yoga is opening and nourishing the body, and the practice helps to recharge and recover from the depletion that can accumulate over time. Our bodies thrive when given the time and space to rest, replenish, and heal. Unlike the often-racing mind, our bodies naturally move at a slower, more deliberate pace.
This gentle style of yoga supports grounding and restoration by aligning with that slower rhythm. The extended holds in each pose allow the body to embrace the natural process of change and repair. By taking ample time between poses, we create the space needed to experience deep, meaningful shifts.
It is the essence of the practice and the gift we give our bodies in this practice by giving the time to truly repair and restore.
What is Restorative Yoga ?
Restorative yoga is a type of yoga known for its relaxing, calming and healing effect. It is a meditative and relaxing yoga that supports deep, conscious rest. In a restorative yoga class, postures are very relaxing and passive, and poses are held for a minimum of 5 minutes or more. It is not about stretching and increasing flexibility, but rather using props to sustain poses for an extended period of time.
Why practice restorative yoga?
Balance is essential in all aspects of life, including the body, mind, and spirit. However, many of us find ourselves stuck in a hypervigilant state—constantly striving, multitasking, and rushing through our fast-paced, distraction-filled days. This constant "yang energy" keeps us in a state of doing rather than being.
With so many daily stressors, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to truly switch off. Even when we think we’ve relaxed, our minds often remain active. Deep states of relaxation are rare for most people, apart from sleep, and it takes time for the body to transition and slow down. Most of us operate primarily in a sympathetic nervous state, the body’s "fight-or-flight" mode. Physiologically, it takes at least 15–20 minutes for the body to enter a true state of rest.
In this deeply relaxed state, the body and mind finally begin to replenish—a process that is vital in today’s fast-paced world. Unfortunately, many people don’t prioritize time to disconnect and simply be. Without creating space for complete relaxation, we risk depleting ourselves, leading to burnout and prolonged stress on both the mind and body.
Restorative yoga offers a pathway to rest and renewal. It balances the active, yang energy of daily life by creating a safe and calm environment where you can move through a small number of gentle, passive postures. These poses are designed to release tension, open the body, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s "rest-and-digest" mode. This practice encourages replenishment and repair, which is why so many people leave a restorative yoga class feeling deeply nourished and restored.
History
Restorative yoga, originated from the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, who introduced the use of props to support the body, allowing practitioners to engage in the practice without discomfort or strain. The method gradually developed into a specialised practice which became ideal for aiding people who were recovering from injuries or illnesses.
In the 1970s and 1980s, restorative yoga became popular in the West by Judith Hanson Lasater, who coined the term "Restorative Yoga" and refined Iyengar’s therapeutic approach into a structured practice centered on rest, recovery, and stress relief.
Today, restorative yoga is widely recognized for alleviating stress, chronic pain, anxiety, and fatigue. It has become an integral part of holistic health practices, often recommended for those recovering from illness, trauma, or physical injury.
Prerequisites - what do I need?
Restorative yoga can be practiced by everyone and at any age - no prior experience is required.
Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes where you will feel warm enough.
If you have any injuries, have high blood pressure or are pregnant, please speak to your medical professional and advise your instructor before you commence a class.
lots of props including a blanket and something to cover your eyes - this is usually provided by the studio
What to expect in my restorative yoga classes
Think of the practice as akin to laying on a cloud to just rest - you lay on the floor in comfortable positions and you’re surrounded by either pillows or bolsters and blankets. The room is dimly lit, there is relaxing music playing in the background. You might have the weight of a blanket on you and an eye-pillow. You lie in the most comfortable position and stay there for an extended period of time, using our breath and conscious focus to bring about deep relaxation.
The softness and peacefulness envelopes you and you can feel your body letting go with each breath. Each prop tells your nervous system that you can completely relax and you go into a deep state of stillness - it’s the same feeling as when you go into a deep sleep but without falling asleep and without feeling groggy.
At the beginning of the class, you will receive some guidance to help ground and centre you, but as the class progresses, there will be increased silence. You slowly move in and out of the poses and we close the practice in savasana, with a sound bath.
Benefits of restorative yoga
Calmed nervous system
Destress and relax
Quieten the mind
Restore the body
Helps sleep
Increase flexibility
Better posture
Overall feeling of wellbeing
Lowers blood pressure
Where do I teach?
I teach restorative classes every Monday fortnight at Lawson Flats in the CBD, commencing 10th February. If you would like to attend these classes, please visit their website
If you would like to book me for a restorative yoga session - please contact me by clicking on the button below