Why Practice Restorative Yoga?
There are many varieties of yoga, each with their own buzz and following. Restorative yoga is a slower form of yoga which aims to slow down the pace of life which gives you a host of benefits which are often overshadowed by the more dynamic styles of yoga.
Sophia Pallaro our resident restorative yoga teacher explains how restorative yoga can help.
Slow pace
The slower pace of restorative yoga, holding poses for longer periods of time helps you to disconnect from the frenetic pace of modern life. It provides a space for you to enjoy a welcome respite from the turbulence of everyday living. This prepares your body and mind for the inward stroke of meditation and awareness which brings your body back to it’s natural tempo.
Soothes the nervous system
The gentle pace of restorative yoga triggers your parasympathetic nervous system right from the first pose. Giving the body time to relax and de-stress right down to a cellular level.
Mindfulness
The nature of this form of yoga encourages mindfulness. You will stop and listen to the body, promoting an inner awareness, a deeper experience of the poses and the breath. Awareness of the physical sensations, the thoughts or emotions that arise, can all take on a much more profound significance in the depth of the restorative practice.
Feel safe and nurtured
The frenetic energy of modern living can leave many people moving through their days haunted by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Restorative yoga provides you with a safe harbour wherein you can reconnect with your true nature, which is immortal, invincible, pure, and nourishing. Making that connection through your poses, breathing, and deep relaxation restores the memory of who you are and helps you to reclaim the fearless nature of your soul. From this refuge, you emerge feeling secure in the inherent goodness within your heart and in the world.
Weight loss
Stress causes the body to produce an excess of cortisol, a stress hormone that affects the immune system and the adrenal glands. Cortisol causes the body to gain fat, particularly in the belly. Lowering your levels of cortisol through restorative yoga can eventually help you to lose weight. Cardiologists such as Mehmet Oz also recommend restorative yoga as a treatment for metabolic syndrome, a disorder that encompasses a combination of conditions related to obesity.
Sophia’s next workshop is this Sunday 4th December. Come check it out and feel it’s amazing benefits.