Restorative yoga is intended to deeply relax and heal beyond regular sleep and rest by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system (one of the three main divisions of the automatic nervous system) by restoring balance when an individual feels stressed or overwhelmed.
Since stress plays such an important role in weight gain, restorative yoga may be useful in weight loss efforts as well as to maintain a healthy weight.
It is thought that the deep mind-body response from a restorative yoga practice helps to stimulate the immune and endocrine systems, lower the heart rate and high blood pressure, provide a benefit to internal organs, as well as provide general health benefits associated with any yoga practice.
Restorative yoga comprises of many of the same poses (asanas) as used in other yoga styles, but makes extensive use of props in order to hold the body in a passive way, allowing the body to deeply rest for longer periods of time, as shown in this Infographic.
Props include yoga blocks, bolsters, pillows, blankets, chairs, a wall and balls.
This Infographic entitled "The Best Restorative Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress" illustrates and provides instructions (including use of props) for the following
✿ Child's Pose (Balasana)
✿ Half-Pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
✿ Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangazana)
✿ Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Buddha Konasana aka Goddess Pose)
✿ Legs Up The Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
✿ Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Related:
What is Yoga?
Yoga Health Benefits
Yoga Starter - What's Your Style?
How Yoga Transforms Your Body
6 Yoga Office Moves
Infographic Source: Greatist