Restorative Yoga, Come find your balance
Unbalanced; one word that perfectly describes how we live our day-to-day lives. We operate primarily in our sympathetic nervous system mode, our flight-or-flight mode, our go, go, go mode. When our sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive it becomes increasingly difficult to switch gears into our parasympathetic nervous system or our system of relax, rest, digest, rejuvinate.
In today's frenetic world our systems are continually bombarded with stimulation which leads to accumulated stress. The brain cannot discriminate between real and perceived stress and it reacts the same way to both. In an effort of self-protection, our brain, through the process of neuroplasticity, may attempt to not notice the stress or shut out the stress overload. Unfortunately, our body does not. Cortisol is released and over time this leads to inflammation and ultimately disease. According to the CDC 75% of disease is due to stress and probably the resultant inflammation.
On your path to ELEVATE your WELLNESS it is crucial to recognize your need to balance your sympathetic nervous system with your parasympathetic nervous system. You DO have the control and the CHOICE to affect this delicate balance. To live in a state of optimal balance will set your body up to heal. One very effective tool is Restorative Yoga. Through the implementation of Restorative Yoga you send messages to your body that it is okay to slow down and relax. Restorative Yoga is conducive to all fitness levels, body types and most pre-existing medical conditions. It consists of postures (mostly performed on the floor but that can be successfully implemented from a bed level) that fully support the body with the use of props -- bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks. The goal is to place the body in a totally supported position where the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons are not under stretch, tension or load. Mindful breathing and meditation techniques are utilized to focus your attention in the present moment. Gentle hands-on techniques and essential oils my be used and are, of course, alway optional. Each pose is held for approximately 10-15 minutes. Every pose becomes its own mini-meditation experience.
Restorative Yoga slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, lowers your body temperature, increases endorphin release, decreases cortisol release and promotes circulation. Further benefits include improved memory/concentration/mental clarity, increased immune system function, reduced stress, anxiety, pain and depression, improved blood pressure, diminished headaches, alleviated menstrual/menopausal symptoms and increased inner peace and tranquility.
The modality of Restorative Yoga is perfect for the harried student, the new mom, the type A personality, the social media addict, the end-stage of life transitioner, those in the middle of major life changes, those pre and post-surgery, those undergoing cancer therapy...the list is really endless. The benefits are far reaching.
I believe one of the most beneficial aspects of Restorative Yoga is that once you receive several one-on-one sessions or participate in several group classes you become familiar with the postures and techniques and can perform them independently at home, even if it's only one position for 10 minutes a day. You then have the power to make this transformational tool a consistent part of your lifestyle. You will have the ability to pull it out of your self-care toolbox whenever and wherever you wish. Education is power! YOU have the power to bring more balance and improved wellness into your life right now!
If you would like to learn more or experience the wonderfully life changing technology of Restorative Yoga please thoughtfully consider allowing me, at Elevate Wellness, to share it with you!