Restorative poses help the body heal by finding homeostasis. According to nurse April Reiersen, “Chronic stress triggers inflammatory responses, and increased inflammation plays a central role in many disease. Studies have shown that relaxation therapies promote a decrease in inflammatory signaling in stressful situations. When the body is allowed to rest we see a physiologic response that promotes the health and healing of the body.”
Restorative Yoga is a great practice to rejuvenate your entire system and heal. By using props to hold the postures longer and support the body, our nervous system has time to recalibrate and allow the parasympathetic nervous system to turn on, while the unconscious fight or flight state that leads to chronic stress is turned off. We can consciously choose to practice a mindful softening into life and into who we are by being present.