Restorative Yoga: Legs up the wall

If you are celebrating Christmas tomorrow, its very likely that you are having one of those super high stress days today. One of the most important things you can do on a day like this is to take some time to do a bit of restorative yoga.

Puja Sue Flamm is one of my most favorite yoga teachers, and one of my best friends as well. She has taught me about the importance of restorative yoga.  Here’s what she had to share with you:

One of my favorite Restorative Yoga poses is Legs Up the Wall

When I am lying on my back in Legs Up The Wall pose I am always amazed at the simple and profound benefits of Restorative Yoga. As part of my restorative practice or at the end of a long day on my feet or after sitting in an airplane when I reach my destination I put my legs up the wall and lie with my back flat on the floor on a yoga mat or blanket. I relax the muscles of my back and remember this pose can help relieve fatigue in my legs, calm my mind, support my circulatory system and revitalize me. After closing my eyes and resting here for five or ten minutes while bringing my attention to my breath and cultivating an attitude of compassion and loving kindness inside my body, noting what I encounter while relaxing around any places of discomfort I arise feeling refreshed and at peace.

Some Benefits of Legs Up the Wall:

*Calms your nervous system

* Brings fresh blood and lymph fluid into your abdomen and organs

* Relieves tension in lower back and sacrum

* Helpful for minor depression and anxiety

* Relaxes your adrenals

* Calms your mind

* Reduces swelling in your feet and legs

* *Releases tension and stress from your legs

* * Rests your heart and helps regulates blood pressure

Puja Sue Flamm

Puja Sue Flamm has been practicing yoga for more than 30 years. She offers Yoga Teacher Training in Restorative Yoga. She presently lives in Valencia, Spain.  Puja Sue will be in the US for a few weeks and will be teaching a restorative class on January 5th at Osi’s Yoga Yurt. Click here for more information and to RSVP.