Restorative yoga is a very relaxing practice. A typical session will focus on restoring peaceful energy through gentle instruction, guided meditation, visualization, gentle therapeutic touch, and focus on breathing. In restorative Yoga we use props - pillows, bolsters, blankets - to support your body so you can "melt" into the postures in an easeful and comfortable way. When we practice restorative yoga we are passive, focusing on breathing and receiving the benefits of supported postures. In our stressful urban world we are often in a sustained state of "fight or flight", operating with the sympathetic nervous system (the one that responds to stress) turned up high. The therapeutic practice of restorative yoga can give the parasympathetic (or, "peaceful") nervous system a chance to come "online". When we take the time to deeply relax with restorative yoga, including passive asanas, gentle therapeutic touch, and deep relaxation, the sympathetic nervous system cedes primacy to the parasympathetic...simply put, when we are under stress and ready to run for our lives, our digestive system shuts down, our hearts beat faster, our muscles tense up - but when our bodies feel safe and relaxed, we digest our food better, we breath more deeply and slowly, and our muscles relax, including the hard-working heart! It's an especially good practice if you are recovering from illness or injury, or just need a break from stress!

Amy's website is: http://www.dayarose.com/