The Different Kinds of Yoga Bolsters and Their Benefits

Practicing Yoga on a regular basis boosts the energy- Pranayama bolsters
levels of an individual and by continued and regularCylindrical Bolsters
practice the body increases its flexibility and balanceCylindrical Bolsters are firmly packed and are normally
and the muscles become toned and strengthened asheavier and larger than rectangular and Pranayama
well.bolsters. When placed under the neck, knees or ankles
At the start of Yoga, some people find it difficult tothey provide support and relieve and tension that may
carry out certain postures due to a variety of reasonsoccur in these areas. Additionally, when placed under
such as lack of flexibility, difficulty in holding the posture,the knees they lengthen the lower part of the back,
etc. In these cases, using Yoga props is an excellentwhich enables deeper breathing. Cylindrical bolsters
option. Having said that, a person who is flexible mayalso provide additional comfort and support which
opt for Yoga props because of the additional supportresults in practitioners increasing their stretches.
and comfort, thereby making the entire experience ofRectangular Bolsters
Yoga more full and beneficial. One of the most popularRectangular bolsters have a flat surface and this
and versatile Yoga props are Yoga Bolsters.provides stability to the user. They also provide great
Yoga Bolsters are types of cushions or pillows thatrelief for any pressure that may occur in the lower
are used in different kinds of Yoga schools such asback. In addition, the curved sides of the rectangular
Bikram Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar Yoga and Kripula Yoga.bolster offer comfort and support for spinal stretches
Yoga Bolsters are designed in such a manner thatand restorative postures.
they provide support to and relieve tension in the neck,Breathing Bolsters
back, abdomen and legs while performing various kindsAlso called the Pranayama bolster, the breathing
of postures. Due to the fact that Yoga Bolsters arebolster - as the name suggests - is used to aid the
firm, they provide cushioning to the back and lowerbreathing. Normally this kind of bolster is used when
body while practicing Yoga asanas (stances) in thecarrying out Pranayamas as it lends support to the
supine position. Yoga Bolsters also stretch out thespine and allows for slower and deeper breathing. It is
body completely and align the spine.different from the rectangular bolster in that it is
There are 3 different varieties of Yoga Bolsters, whichnarrower. When placed on the spine it supports the
arelengthy muscles that run on its sides, thereby relaxing it
- Cylindrical bolsterscompletely and letting the chest expand fully.
- Rectangular bolsters