Each restorative asana should provide a complete prop supportive environment for total relaxation.

Guide client through a 60-90 minute Integral restorative sequence with relaxing instrumental music. Ask for a stress/relaxation rating on a scale of 1-10 prior to and following, along with feedback, anticipating an improvement post-sequence. Have plenty of props ready to support unique body size and spinal curvature.

63 y/o female, tenured university professor, c/c stress - primarily from online and hybrid learning environment arose during COVID pandemic, otherwise healthy with no major family history, regularly attends hatha classes, states she receives benefit however can never relax during class including during savansana as she's just not comfortable, client is observed frequently moving during asanas and meditation, client is petit in frame size and has some notable kyphosis.

Take subjective and objective notes from client's previous traditional hatha session, including not being easeful and notable kyphosis, to provide a restorative session where the client could find relaxation. Along with regular restorative yoga to aide the client in relaxing, be prepared with extra props to pad client's spinal curvature as needed to ensure poses are supportive.

The session was predominantly hatha yoga with asanas, pranayama, and yoga nidra supporting the relaxation aspect both physiologically and subjectively. Additional aspects of raja with brief meditation and japa/bhakti with chanting were also included for mind-body connection, faith, and further relaxation.

Client was optimistic and excited for the restorative yoga, but some apprehension was noted. Client stated her relaxation level (1 to 10 - 1 bouncing up and down, 10 ready to fall asleep) was 4 upon arrival, and 8 after the restorative yoga session.

Do not accept "uncomfortable" during hatha practice. Have props such as blankets, and large and/or small bolsters ready to adapt the pose to your body. Hatha should meet you where you are.

Yes, the goal was carried out as planned starting with standard Integral restorative setups and the expected modifications to conform to client's body shape. Kirkpatrick's level one reaction was planned for evaluation of the goal, which was met based on client's subjective/quantitative relaxation level changing from four to eight.

The sequence and categories of poses were based on the full restorative practice recommended by Integral yoga restorative practices. The specific poses within each category were selected based on being prone and not causing any agitation to the kyphotic curvature of the spine (supported lying twist, and supported child), or being supine and easily allowing prop padding to conform to the kyphotic curvature (supported bound angle, legs up the wall, and supported relaxation).

Yes, a couple starting setups did not align with the client's body shape/spinal curvature, but was quickly able to find comfort for the client by folding back blanket edges to add an extra inch or two of support in the upper back to conform to her body.

The range of time on the initial plan was based on Integral’s recommendations, while the times on the report were the actual times the client was in the poses based on time after utilizing time for modifications and time remaining in the session.

Absolutely, Integral restorative yoga taught me to adapt the asanas to the client for the ultimate in relaxation. In this case, the client was not the stereotypical average size or shape, and the restorative teachings allowed me to provide the relaxation missing from the client's traditional hatha practice. The relaxation experience went excellent per the client's feedback. One change I made immediately was that I initially chose a Swami Kriyananda CD that was music only (as typical for Integral restorative yoga), but had some high-low variations that I didn't feel was relaxing enough, so I quickly faded to my second CD that was more steady and relaxing. This reminded me to screen all of the musical selections rather than just the beginning.