I often receive comments and questions on my social media accounts regarding videos of my yoga practice. I try to make it a point to respond to each comment and question. In addition to responding on the original site, I have decided to post some of my responses to my blog.
Video: Restorative Neck Traction
Subscriber comment: “Restorative?” What exactly is being restored?
Response: This pose, a variation of Uttanasana, is considered a semi-inversion. A semi-inversion is an asana where the head is below the heart but the feet are on the floor. Other examples of semi-inversions are Adho mukha svanasana and Halasana.
The difference here, unlike Uttanasana, is the shoulders are supported by the chair and gravity creates a mild traction in the cervical spine.
The restorative aspects of inversions (even semi-inversions) are as follows; they calm the brain and help relieve stress and mild depression. They promote a slower heart rate and vasodilation (the dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure).
But, as with all of my videos, not all practices are appropriate for all students. This is a wonderful practice for me, however, if a student has a short neck, their shoulders will not be supported by the chair. If a student has very tight hamstrings, the restorative benefits are lost by the struggle of trying to keep the legs straight.
The goal of my videos is to present possibilities for your practice. Hopefully help you step out of the box to explore, play and bring a full dose of imagination to your practice.
Roberta Dell'Anno E-RYT 500, Certified Yoga for Scoliosis Trainer
Owner EssentialYoga Studio.
Roberta has been practicing yoga since 1988 and teaching yoga since 2004. She has studied extensively under master yoga teachers Patricia Walden, Zoë Stewart, Sri Arun H.S., Elise Browning Miller, and others. She completed a two year Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training program with Sr. Iyengar Teacher, Peentz Dubble in June 2017.
Roberta has studied yoga at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Memorial Institute in Pune, India during June 2011, February 2014, attended Abhijata's 2-week intensive in Pune, India, December 2016 and BKS Iyengar's Centenary 10-day intensive taught by Prashantji & Geetaji, December 2018.
She completed training and certification with Elise Browning Miller as a 'Yoga for Scoliosis' instructor in 2014, completed a 500 hour Hatha Yoga Certification program with AURA Wellness Center in 2005 and is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500. She has been a Certified Meditation Teacher since June 2007 and an Usui Reiki Practitioner since 1989.
The studio provides individual & specialized privates, semi-privates, group private sessions, and yoga workshops. Roberta conducts local and out of town workshops. She specializes in yoga for scoliosis and back care. She uses props to help students and teachers of all levels transform their backbends, twists, standing and seated postures, as well as inversions like sarvangasana (shoulderstand).
She also works with individuals who have physical challenges, specifically individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, CMT, Parkinson's Disease, scoliosis, and amputees in private, semi-private and group sessions.
Essentialyogastudio's Blog 
happy new year…
Happy New Year to you as well!