What is the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?

Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga practices are similar in the sense that they are slow, meditative practices focused on long holds.

Yin Yoga focuses on stretching your connective tissues (particularly the fascia) in order to strengthen and lengthen them. Poses are held for 3-5 minutes each and work with the energy meridians in your body as well as cultivating active stretch in your connective tissues to increase strength and flexibility, improve joint mobility, improve posture, and release trauma in the body.  Yin can sometimes be uncomfortable as the gently softens into a pose.

Yin yoga is best for:

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• Increasing strength and flexibility

• Keeping your joints healthy and mobile

• Improving your posture

• Releasing trauma and emotion stored in the connective tissues of the body

• Bringing your negative thought patterns into your awareness so that you can work with them and release them

Meanwhile, restorative yoga encourages a passive release of mind and body tension, without active stretch, through use of many props which may include straps, blankets, blocks, sandbags and especially bolsters.  Ideally you will be be 100% supported and passive with no active stretch, holding poses for anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

Restorative yoga is best for:

• Meditation

• Stress release

• Deep relaxation

• Breath-work

• Creating a sense of safety in the mind and body

• Reaching a state of mindful rest and contentment

Both styles are wonderful practices which offer much to body and mind. Take a look at my events to find workshops and mini retreats with a focus on either Yoga practice.