Restorative Yoga

I completed my yoga teacher training in 2014, but felt a desire to bring my yoga practice to my patients. I had heard about restorative yoga but wasn't really sure what it meant in the setting of chronic pain. I discovered that each pose in restorative yoga is held anywhere from 5-7 minutes and utilizes props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks (and even walls) to allow you to completely relax into the pose. I received my certification in restorative yoga in 2015 under the guidance of the amazing, awe-inspiring Melissa Smith. 

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Melissa now practices out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, but she travels all over to share her wisdom at workshops, retreats, and trainings. Check out her studio, Pranava Yoga. Meeting Melissa has changed this little yogini. She is truly a bright light and whenever she is town, I try to take the time out to take a class with her. If you have the opportunity where you live to check out a restorative class, please do so. Sometimes, our body needs to rest, and restorative yoga gives your body that unadulterated time to rejuvenate and recover and "restore" itself.