Relaxation Relaxation

This is soothing and restorative video that includes two practice sessions. Since these poses are meant to relax and rejuvenate you will need to use props to support your body so that you can relax fully and keep from straining and/or pulling your muscles. You will need a chair, yoga blocks or blankets, a wall, and a bolster or sturdy pillow.

Patricia Walden leads the first session, Relaxing the Front Body which includes the following backbend poses: supported child's pose, supported backbend, supported crossed legs pose, supported bridge pose, supported shoulderstand and deep breathing/relaxation pose. These poses are supposed to help restore your immune system and quiet your mind and body. I don't know about that but after doing this session my lower back is warm and relaxed and I feel great.

The second session, Relaxing the Back Body, is lead by Rodney Yee and begins with a gentle movement sequence to warm you up, and then includes the following forward bends: supported wide angle pose, supported head to knee pose, supported sitting forward bend, supported plough pose and then relaxation pose. Plough pose is one of my favorite poses. It helps release tension in your shoulders and neck like nothing else. You do need to be careful that you do not push yourself too far however or you can give yourself quite a headache.

This is a wonderful video to do when you are exhausted, stiff or sore, menstruating or recovering from an illness. (although it is recommended that you do not do shoulderstand or plough pose when menstruating). The music is instrumental and pleasant, and both Patricia Walden's and Rodney Yee's instructions are quiet and soothing.

I give this tape an A. I recommend doing it right before going to bed in a nice dark room. You will sleep like a baby afterwards.

Laura Harper

08/21/1997