

Notably, yin & restorative yoga creates conditions for our relaxation response to kick in. The relaxation response is a neurological response leaving us with the sense of feeling safe which initiates the body's self-healing processes. This - the embodied sense of safety - is utmost important in a world where most of us are overloaded by tight (work / family) schedules, high expectations (mostly our own), worry, and technological advances that when their use is not moderated hijack our attention - and thus a world where for most of us the fight-or flight response (sympathetic nervous system) is chronically stimulated and periods of real rest are very sparse. Thus, by creating a situation, such as in yin & restorative yoga, where the body understands it is safe, we change from worrying about "staying safe" to activating the parasympathetic nervous system thereby strengthen the longterm health systems, such as immunity, digestion, repair, reproduction and reflection.
Importantly, through using long-held supportive resting poses in yin & restorative yoga and their accompanied embodied sense of support and safety the skill of conscious relaxation is cultivated.

Let's state that again: yin & restorative yoga helps us discover where we hold tension. The actual effort in this practice is the willingness to look at where and how we are holding tension. This willingness helps us find room for change, we allow a letting go of all muscular and mental effort (both of which most of us favor and already overengage most of the time) - thereby we let go of control and plans - and allow to be present, embrace and acknowledge what
is (not what has been or could be, but what is) which enables a deep release on various levels of the body.
These here are just a few of the benefits of yin & restorative yoga. Those who have been to my workshops know how enthusiastic I can get to explain the effects of certain practices herein on our physiological and mental wellbeing..., the effect it has on fascia, the link to eastern traditions of medicine ,..... (may be another few chapters soon).
The next long yin & restorative yoga session I offer comes up Sunday, March 3, 11.00-13.30h - there are still a few spaces available (you can register here or for a later session here).
I also appreicate if you leave a comment on how this practice has possibly affected you.