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Practicing restorative yoga is a wonderful way to unwind, rejuvenate, and bring balance to your body and mind. Using the right props can significantly enhance your restorative flow, making your practice more comfortable and effective. Yoga pillows, bolsters, and other supportive accessories provide the necessary support for relaxation and alignment. Here’s an in-depth look at the best yoga pillows for restorative flow, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can enhance your practice.
Restorative yoga focuses on relaxation and recovery, using props to support the body in restful poses. This practice encourages deep stretching and relaxation of the nervous system, making it beneficial for stress relief, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. The right yoga pillows can provide support and comfort, allowing you to hold poses longer and achieve deeper relaxation.
Types of Yoga Pillows and Props
Zafu Meditation Cushion
A popular choice among yogis, the Zafu cushion is typically round and filled with buckwheat hulls or kapok. The Zafu provides firm support while allowing slight adjustments, making it suitable for meditation and seated poses.
- Enhances comfort during long meditation sessions and encourages a healthy posture by keeping the hips elevated, which can alleviate pressure on the knees and lower back.
- The Gaiam Zafu Meditation Cushion is a great option, featuring a removable cover for easy cleaning and a handle for portability.
Round Meditation Pillow
These pillows offer versatile use and can be employed for various restorative poses as well as meditation. Their round shape provides stability and comfort, making them suitable for different body types.
- The pillow allows for easy transition between poses and can be placed under the knees or lower back for added support.
- Brentwood Home Meditation Cushion is crafted with organic cotton and filled with natural fibers, providing a soft yet supportive surface.
Bolsters
Rectangular Yoga Bolster
Rectangular bolsters are larger and provide a stable support base for restorative poses like Supported Child’s Pose or Savasana. They are typically filled with cotton or foam, offering a firm yet comfortable surface.
- Provides significant support for the spine and encourages relaxation during long holds, allowing you to fully release tension.
- Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster is a popular choice, featuring a removable cover and a sturdy design that holds up well over time.
Round Yoga Bolster
The round bolster is excellent for supporting the spine or under the knees during various restorative poses. Its shape allows for a range of uses, making it a versatile addition to your practice.
- Provides gentle support and encourages relaxation in poses, making it ideal for enhancing restorative practices.
- Manduka Enlight Rectangular Bolster is eco-friendly, filled with natural fibers, and features a soft, durable cover.
Yoga Blocks
Foam Yoga Blocks
Lightweight foam blocks are versatile and can be used for various poses to enhance stability and support. They are ideal for those new to yoga or those who need extra support in certain poses.
- Help deepen stretches and support the body in restorative positions, making them a must-have for every yoga practitioner.
- Gaiam Foam Yoga Block is durable and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use during practice.
Cork Yoga Blocks
Cork blocks provide a firmer support option and have a natural feel, which some practitioners prefer. They are also eco-friendly and durable.
- Offers stability and support during various poses, making them ideal for both restorative and active practices.
- Manduka Cork Yoga Block is well-reviewed for its sturdiness and comfortable grip.
Knee Support Pillows
Knee Bolster
Specifically designed to support the knees during restorative poses, knee bolsters are filled with soft foam or cotton, providing comfort and relief.
- Reduces strain on the knees and enhances comfort during long holds, making them ideal for restorative yoga practices.
- PrAna Knee Pillow is designed for yoga and meditation, featuring a soft cover and supportive filling.
Other Supportive Props
Yoga Straps
Yoga straps are typically made from cotton or nylon and are used to assist with stretching and improving flexibility.
- Help deepen stretches and support various poses, allowing you to maintain alignment without straining.
- Gaiam Cotton Yoga Strap features adjustable loops for versatility and durability.
Eye Pillows
Filled with lavender or other soothing herbs, eye pillows are designed to relax the eyes and promote a sense of calm during meditation or Savasana.
- Help reduce tension and enhance relaxation, creating a calming environment during restorative practices.
- Aromatherapy Eye Pillow by Hugger Mugger is filled with natural herbs and is known for its soothing properties.
Incorporating Yoga Pillows into Your Practice
Using yoga pillows and props can enhance your restorative yoga practice by providing support and comfort. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your flow:
- Supportive Child’s Pose: Use a bolster or cushion under your chest and head for added support, allowing you to relax deeper into the pose.
- Reclining Bound Angle Pose: Place a bolster under your back for gentle support, allowing your knees to fall open comfortably.
- Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose: Use a bolster under your hips to elevate your pelvis, enhancing the restorative benefits of the pose.
Here are some products to try
Yoga Block 9″ x 6″ x 3″ Light Weight High-Density EVA Foam Brick $14.44
Wallniture Guru 5-Sectional Wall Mount Foam Roller and Yoga Mat Holder with 3 Hanging Hooks $19.87
3Pcs Resistance Loop Bands Yoga Pilates Sports Gym Glutes Hip Legs Training Set $19.99
Trademark Innovations Knee Pad Mat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion Black Yoga Mat Kneeling Pad $20.19
Non-Slip Exercise Pilates Yoga Mat $20.31
Sol Living Exercise Non Slip Foam Yoga Block 4″ x 6″ x 9″ $22.12
HolaHatha Portable High Density Solid EVA Foam Roller for Yoga and Gym Workouts $23.49
AUM 4mm Soft Foam Tech Lilla Series Yoga Exercise Mat $24.74