Practice Point #23 - Timing for Restorative Postures

I received a question from Erma in USA. Their question is...

How long to hold restorative poses?

This will depend on your level of experience and ability.

I think there are a few key factors to help you determine how long you should hold a restorative posture for.

• The posture is done to restore the body. If the body is not at ease, comfortable and in a relxed state it can't restore. Come out of the posture when it is no longer comfortable.

• Each day the body is different yesterday you may be able to hold Viparita Karani for 20 minutes with ease and today perhaps after 5 minutes agitation comes. Don't force yourself to hold the posture for a long time if the body/mind can't settle. Change posture and try something else you think you will be more comfortable in.

• Gradually increase the hold of a posture to build up the duration.

• If you are comfortable try holding the posture for 20 minutes to give the body a good chance to completely settle down and restore.

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