Welcome to Restore: a practice weaving together yin yoga and gentle healing modalities to nurture your body and befriend your nervous system. (More info of the practice of yin is shared below). Find a warm, cosy space where you can be uninterrupted for a precious hour to enjoy this signature sequence.
Ahead of this practice, you might like to gather a few props. These will allow your muscles to be passive so that you can target the deeper tissues of the body:
A yoga mat or similar padding
A bolster or firm cushion
A pillow or softer cushion
Blanket/s
Yoga blocks or a stack of firm books
Optional: a candle, essential oils etc
Optional: here is a link to the playlist for this sequence
I’d love to hear how you find this practice - in body, mind and emotions. What is your experience? Feel free to share in the discussion space below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Yin Yoga?
Here’s a short introduction video. Otherwise, please read on…
It is a deeply nourishing and healing practice where you relax into long-held postures. It works on the deeper layers of the body: the connective tissue, fascia and ligaments, and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to aid relaxation, reduce tension and improve mobility. It is the perfect complement to active (yang) exercise styles and the hectic lives that many of us lead.
The practice is a synthesis of traditional Hatha yoga, Eastern energy medicine, pranayama (breathing) and mindfulness. I’m trained in the lineage of Sarah Powers and Paul Grilley who are considered to the the modern founders of yin yoga.
What are the benefits of yin yoga?
For the body:
The long-held yin poses allow the connective tissue to gently stretch and respond to a slow-steady load, a stress that makes them stronger and longer. The poses also stimulate and remove blockages in the myofascial meridians in the body which balances the body’s internal organs and systems.
For the mind:
Becoming still in a pose and staying there for a while creates space, not only in the body, but in the mind too. This space allows things to rise to the surface - emotions, thoughts, feelings that have been suppressed with the busyness of life. With mindfulness, you’re encouraged to allow the feelings to be present but not identify with them, practicing the role of observer. The body uses a lot of energy to store away these emotions, feelings and sensations so allowing them to surface can create an energetic release and move you toward a calmer, more present state of mind.
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