Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props: A Deep Dive

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props

Restorative Iyengar Yoga is a deeply healing and introspective branch of yoga that emphasizes relaxation, recovery, and renewal. Developed and popularized by B.K.S. Iyengar and his senior students, this practice uses props extensively to fully support the body, allowing practitioners to hold poses comfortably for extended periods without muscular effort. So, see below the best Restorative Iyengar Yoga props.

The Philosophy Behind Restorative Practice:

In contrast to more dynamic forms of yoga, restorative Iyengar yoga shifts the nervous system into the parasympathetic mode, the “rest and digest” state. This calms the mind, reduces cortisol levels, and facilitates deep healing.

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props are the cornerstone of restorative yoga, allowing for:

  • Total support of the body
  • Maximum relaxation
  • Gentle release of physical and mental tension
  • Accessibility for all body types and health conditions

Essential Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props:

Here are the most commonly used restorative Iyengar Yoga Props in a restorative Iyengar sequence, along with their purpose and how they’re used:

Bolsters:

Description: Firm, cylindrical cushions made specifically for yoga.

Uses:

Benefits:

  • Elevates and supports the spine
  • Opens the chest without strain
  • Encourages diaphragmatic breathing

Blankets:

Description: Thick, foldable cotton or wool blankets.

Uses:

  • Head and neck support in Savasana
  • Under the shoulders in Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand, to protect the neck
  • Knee or ankle support in seated or prone poses

Benefits:

  • Provides cushioning and warmth
  • Assists in correct alignment
  • Prevents hyperextension or collapse in joints

Yoga Blocks:

Description: Rectangular foam or cork blocks of varying thickness.

Uses:

  • Support under knees in Supported Forward Bends
  • Elevation for hips or back in Seated Poses
  • Arm support in Supported Child’s Pose

Benefits:

  • Brings the ground closer to the practitioner
  • Prevents overexertion
  • Maintains alignment while allowing complete release

Yoga Straps (Belts):

Description: Sturdy cotton straps with D-ring or buckle closures.

Uses:

  • Bind legs in Supta Baddha Konasana
  • Maintain symmetry in Reclining Twists
  • Lengthen arms in Restorative Forward Folds

Benefits:

  • Maintains the shape of the pose
  • Reduces muscular effort
  • Encourages passive stretching

Chairs:

Description: Backless metal folding chairs (often with padding added).

Uses:

  • Gentle backbends using the chair seat
  • Forward bends with the torso resting on a chair
  • Inversions like Viparita Dandasana with chair support

Benefits:

  • Allows deep postures with complete support
  • Excellent for those with fatigue or limited mobility
  • Stabilizes the spine in inversions or deep bends

Eye Pillows:

Description: Small pillows filled with flaxseed or lavender.

Uses:

  • Placed over the eyes in Savasana or Supta Padangusthasana

Benefits:

  • Reduces sensory input
  • Stimulates the vagus nerve
  • Encourages a deeper meditative state

Wall Ropes and Slings:

Description: Rope systems attached to a wall for supported inversions or traction.

Uses:

  • Rope Sirsasana (Headstand) or Rope Uttanasana (Forward Fold)
  • Traction for the spine in passive backbends

Benefits:

  • Releases spinal tension
  • Enhances alignment
  • Minimizes compression in joints

Common Restorative Setups Using Props

Here are a few examples of restorative setups using these props:

1. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props: Bolster under spine, strap around legs, blocks under thighs, eye pillow.

Purpose: Opens the chest and hips, promotes diaphragmatic breathing, calms the mind.

2. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props: Blanket or bolster under hips, strap around thighs, optional eye pillow.

Purpose: Reduces fatigue, lowers blood pressure, improves lymphatic drainage.

3. Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props: Bolster under sacrum and spine, strap around feet or thighs, blanket under neck.

Purpose: Restores energy, gently opens chest and abdomen, relieves lower back tension.

4. Forward Fold with Chair Support

Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props: Chair, bolster or blanket on chair seat, blanket under knees.

Purpose: Releases tension in the spine and hamstrings, calms the nervous system.

Benefits of Using Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props:

Injury Prevention: Supports safe practice for those recovering from surgery, chronic illness, or fatigue.

Emotional Release: Long-held, supported poses encourage emotional unwinding and mental stillness.

Improved Circulation: Gentle inversions and reclined postures help boost circulation and lymphatic flow.

Therapeutic Applications: Often used to manage conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.

Tips for Using Restorative Iyengar Yoga Props Effectively:

  • Customize for Your Body: Adjust prop placement to feel fully supported with no tension.
  • Use More, Not Less: In restorative yoga, comfort is key. Don’t hesitate to add extra bolsters or blankets.
  • Stay Warm: Cover the body with a blanket if practicing in a cool room.
  • Be Still and Quiet: Let go of muscular engagement and surrender to stillness.
  • Practice in Silence or with Soft Music: Minimize external distractions to deepen relaxation.

Conclusion:

Props are not just accessories in Restorative Iyengar Yoga, they are essential instruments of healing and support. They allow the body to settle deeply into poses, guiding the mind toward a meditative state of rest and receptivity. Whether you’re recovering from physical fatigue or emotional stress, restorative practice with props offers a sanctuary for profound healing.

Ashwini MudraAdvanced Poses Of Yoga
HamsasanaBenefit Of Ardha Matsyendrasana
Malasana BenefitsChakrasana Steps
Janushirasana BenefitsNavasanaa Benefits
Utthita PadmasanaVatayanasana
BrahmacharyasanaUtthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana
Ardha Baddha PadmottanasanaBenefits Of Garudasana
Trianga Mukhaikapada PaschimottanasanaMarichyasana
Upward Plank PoseSiddhasana
Makara Adho Mukha SvanasanaUtthita Hasta Padangusthasana
PawanmuktasanaMarjariasana
BitilasanaArdha Bhekasana
ApanasanaYoga Poses For Hips
AnjaneyasanaParvatasana
BhujapidasanaYin Yoga Poses
Urdhva Mukha SvanasanaUtkata Konasana
Parsva BakasanaUrdhva Kukkutasana
Urdhva DhanurasanaParsvakonasana
ParsvottanasanaPadmasana Benefits
Prasarita PadottanasanaPasasana
Parivrtta ParsvakonasanaYoga For Kids Training
Parivrtta TrikonasanaRooster Posture
Sleeping Vishnu PoseParighasana
UdarakarshanasanaUpavistha Konasana
Shavasana BenefitsArdha Pincha Mayurasana
Benefits Of HalasanaGarbha Pindasana
Hasta UttanasanaKakasana
VrschikasanaKoundinyasana
Pincha MayurasanaKundalini Yoga Poses
Eka Pada KapotasanaPaschimottanasana
Dandasana (Staff Pose)Padangusthasana
Bhekasana (Frog Pose)Dhanurasana Steps
SimhasanaVirabhadrasana Iii
Viparita KaraniBenefits Of Surya Namaskar Steps
Ardha ChandrasanaSupta Baddha Konasana
UtkatasanaLolasana
Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)Supta Vajrasana Benefits
Kriya Yoga StepsPrenatal Yoga Poses
Yoga Poses For KidsEar Pressure Pose
Supta Virasana BenefitsVajrasana Precautions
Bhujangasana StepsAnusara Yoga Sequences
MakarasanaAnimal Yoga Pose
Sukhasana (Easy Pose)Bakasana Benefits
ShirshasanaPlank Position
Benefit Of SalabhasanaBenefits Of Vrikshasana
TittibhasanaKapotasana Benefits
Ardha Baddha Padma PaschimottanasanaTadasana Precautions
Lotus Position BenefitsThoppukaranam
MayurasanaSupta Vajrasana Step By Step
Ardha MandalasanaJalandhara Bandha Benefits
Benefits Of Gomukhasana
Natarajasana StepsPadahastasana Steps
Bhujangasana PrecautionsAkarna Dhanurasana
Yoga For Concentration And MemoryBenefits Of Shashankasana
Virabhadrasana IiBenefits Of Sarvangasana
Benefits Of Baddha PadmasanaArdha Halasana
Setu Bandha SarvangasanaAdho Mukha Svanasana Benefits
Kurmasana BenefitsButterfly Yoga Benefits
Utthita ParsvakonasanaChild Pose Benefits
Butterfly Yoga BenefitsChild Pose Benefits

I am a certified yoga instructor with a deep passion for helping others connect with their bodies, calm their minds, and cultivate inner balance through mindful movement and breath. With 10 years of teaching experience and a background in [e.g., Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, or Yoga Therapy], I create inclusive, grounding, and empowering classes designed for all levels.