It was BKS Iyengar (1918 – 2014), a student of Krishnamacharya (1888 – 1989), who established Restorative yoga and the use of props in yoga.

Restorative yoga poses give us the opportunity to take time out from our busy schedules and consciously relax and rest deeply. There may be a few active postures where muscles are engaged but in most of the positions the body is fully supported and the muscles encouraged to soften. When the body rests it gives the mind permission to quieten and induces a state of calm and well-being. It is a wonderful stand-alone practice and a fantastic complementary practice to ashtanga yoga.

The practice activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System which slows down the activity of the body. It gives the body mind an opportunity to balance and allows our innate healing process to occur. Restorative yoga will restore energy levels, boost our immune system, reduce blood pressure, improve digestion, improve fertility, reduce muscle tension, help with insomnia, reduce anxiety and general fatigue and release unhelpful physical and emotional holding patterns.