Yes, they are essential : they provide safety, comfort and stability , allowing the body to completely let go. Essential kit: 1 bolster (or firm cushion) 4-5 blankets 2 blocks (or books) 1 strap (or belt) 1 chair 1 eye pillow Until you have specific props, you can substitute them with household items: pillows, towels or books.

What Is Therapeutic Restorative Yoga?

Where science meets silence

Therapeutic Restorative Yoga is a science-informed, deeply meditative approach to yoga that invites the body to rest, release, and heal.
Through stillness, support, and conscious breathing, it helps regulate the nervous system, balance hormones, and restore harmony between body and mind.

It is a bridge between the wisdom of traditional yoga and modern discoveries in neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and fascia research.

A form of body meditation

While the Yoga Sutras—one of yoga’s most ancient and revered texts—mention physical postures only three times, modern yoga in the West has largely emphasized movement and effort.
Therapeutic Restorative Yoga returns to yoga’s original intention: preparing the body and mind for meditation, awareness, and self-regulation.

The practice: rest, support and regulation

With the help of supports—bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps, sandbags, eye pillows, chairs, and even the wall—the body is fully supported, without any muscular effort.
This allows the muscles, fascia, and nervous system to finally release tension and activate natural healing processes.

Main benefits:

Reduction of stress and cortisol
Improved sleep and vital energy
Hormonal and immune regulation
Relief from fatigue and chronic pain
Emotional balance and inner stability

What Happens in a Therapeutic Restorative Yoga Class?

A typical class lasts about 90 minutes and includes 3 to 4 fully supported poses, each held between 5 and 30 minutes.
Once positioned with props, no muscular effort is required—the body simply receives the posture.
During this time, heart rate slows, blood pressure lowers, and the vagus nerve is gently stimulated, activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The practice usually ends with a long, deeply supported Savasana, held for up to 25 minutes, allowing complete integration.

The therapeutic power of Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga Therapeutics integrates breath, mindfulness, and physical support to offer a comprehensive and healing practice.
Because stress and trauma are stored in the body, this practice acts where healing can truly begin.

It is particularly useful for:

Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout
Menopause and hormonal imbalances
Chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation
Endometriosis, infertility, and pelvic tension
Sleep disturbances and mental fatigue

The Future of Yoga: From Doing to Being

Therapeutic Restorative Yoga represents the evolution of yoga in the modern world: a movement from doing more to being more present.
It honors stillness as an active state of awareness and rest as a radical act of self-care.

This practice invites you to:

Slow down and soften effort
Release physical and emotional tension
Experience meditation through the body
Rebuild energy, stability, and inner trust

Whether your goal is to recover from chronic stress, improve sleep, or cultivate emotional balance, Therapeutic Restorative Yoga offers a profoundly regenerative path toward healing and wholeness.

If you teach yoga, explore the online Restorative Yoga teacher training

Discover the online courses of Restorative Yoga Therapeutics

FAQ

What is the difference between Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:44:06+02:00

What is the difference between Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga?

Restorative Yoga focuses on deep rest, relaxation, and gentle release through long-held supported postures. It invites the body into stillness and helps restore physical and mental balance.
Therapeutic Restorative Yoga, on the other hand, goes a step further. It is a science-based, trauma-informed approachthat integrates:

Anatomy and physiology
Neuroscience and polyvagal theory
Fascia and mind–body research
Yogic philosophy and mindfulness

Each pose is carefully adapted to the individual’s physical, emotional, and energetic needs, providing not just relaxation but true nervous system regulation and healing.

In short:

Restorative Yoga → relaxation and balance

Therapeutic Restorative Yoga → relaxation as a path to healing, regulation, and transformation

What is the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:46:57+02:00

What is the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?

Although both are slow practices, they serve different purposes:

Yin Yoga gently stretches the connective tissue with mild stress and minimal prop use. Its goal is to increase flexibility and energy flow.
Therapeutic Restorative Yoga offers complete support with props to eliminate muscular effort, allowing the nervous system to reset and the body to recover.

If Yin Yoga is about stretching, Therapeutic Restorative Yoga is about restoring.
It’s the difference between flexibility training and nervous system healing.

Do You Need Props?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:47:36+02:00

Do You Need Props?

Yes, they are essential: they provide safety, comfort and stability, allowing the body to completely let go.
Essential kit:

1 bolster (or firm cushion)
4-5 blankets
2 blocks (or books)
1 strap (or belt)
1 chair
1 eye pillow

Until you have specific props, you can substitute them with household items: pillows, towels or books.

How Often Should I Practice Therapeutic Restorative Yoga?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:49:10+02:00

How Often Should I Practice Therapeutic Restorative Yoga?

Even 20 minutes, 2–3 times per week can significantly reduce stress and improve sleep.
A regular 60–90 minute practice offers deeper benefits, including:

Reduced anxiety and depression,
Improved focus and energy,
Better emotional regulation and resilience.

The effects are cumulative — the more regularly you practice, the more your body learns to stay calm, balanced, and self-regulated.

Is Therapeutic Restorative Yoga Suitable for Beginners?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:51:25+02:00

Is Therapeutic Restorative Yoga Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely. It is one of the most accessible and inclusive forms of yoga.
No flexibility, strength, or previous experience is required.
Because the practice is fully supported and guided, it’s ideal for:

People new to yoga,
Individuals recovering from stress, illness, or burnout
Seniors or those with limited mobility
Anyone seeking a calm, mindful practice.

Can Therapeutic Restorative Yoga Help with Anxiety and Depression?Audrey Favreau2025-10-20T00:53:06+02:00

Can Therapeutic Restorative Yoga Help with Anxiety and Depression?

Yes. Studies show that Therapeutic Restorative Yoga can:

Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels,
Increase GABA, a calming neurotransmitter linked to improved mood
Reduce inflammation and fatigue,
Support emotional balance and inner safety.

Through its direct action on the nervous system, it helps the body exit chronic stress (“fight or flight”) and enter a restorative state where healing and clarity can occur.