🌿Beginner

Restorative

The art of doing nothing — and healing completely.

Judith Hanson Lasater

1970s · USA

About Restorative

Restorative Yoga uses props to fully support the body in passive postures held for 5–20 minutes, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and encouraging complete physical and mental release. It is medicine for the modern overstimulated body.

✓ Directly counteracts chronic stress and burnout✓ Dramatically improves sleep quality✓ Supports recovery from illness or injury✓ Reduces inflammation in the body✓ Accessible to everyone regardless of fitness level

Yoga Wheel Scores

🤸Flexibility

3/5

Passive supported stretches gently increase flexibility over time without effort.

⚡Strength

1/5

No muscular engagement is required; this is complete rest.

⚖️Balance

1/5

All poses are on the floor with full prop support; balance is irrelevant.

🌬️Breath

4/5

Diaphragmatic breathing and breath awareness are central to inducing deep relaxation.

🧠Mind

5/5

Activating the parasympathetic nervous system creates profound mental stillness and emotional release.

History & Origins

Founder

Judith Hanson Lasater

Period

1970s

Origin

USA

Restorative Yoga grew from B.K.S. Iyengar's therapeutic use of props, further developed by his student Judith Hanson Lasater from the 1970s. Lasater's book 'Relax and Renew' (1995) became the definitive text. The style gained mainstream popularity in the 2000s as burnout, chronic stress and sleep disorders became global health crises.