In todays' manic world of pressure and stress, it is essential that we find a practical solution to combat the extremes of daily living and Restorative Yoga can provide this answer so that we can obtain peace of mind as well as a healthy and flexible body.

Restorative yoga should be used when the body feels tight, emotions disturbed or we simply do not feel righ't within ourselves as it is a gentle and nurturing type of practise and will help the mind, body and spirit to reset itself.

Restorative yoga uses supported poses so that we can relax into the position and stay in the maximum position for a longer period. Not only do we feel the body opening up, releasing tension, we can combat nagging worries and concerns, by letting go of our fretful or unhappy state and just enjoy feeling the stretch as we relax.

Essentially, when the body is supported and comfortable, the mind feels safe and able to let go of any last remnants of tension and this is essential if we wish to promote a healthier and happier state.

Sometimes termed active relaxation Restorative yoga can be used at any time, whether in a class with others or at home alone, it can be useful to use whatever props are available also, such as a bolster, pillows or even yoga blocks or straps. The beauty of this type of yoga is that you can adapt your session to suit your environment, sessions need not even be that long and instead of practising several poses, relax into one and gain the benefits of that posture.

Restorative yoga is not to be hurried; all of the postures stretch out the spine in different ways, releasing trapped tension within the muscles and spinal area. Freedom from stiffness within the spine immediately makes us all feel better. There are many different postures such as:

- Simple supported back bend
- Forward Bend
- Supported Bridge Pose
- Childs pose

There is a great deal of information available on this style of yoga either through books or DVDs' and these will guide you through this gentle practise of postures, breathing, sound and mindfulness. This style is also suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.