Are you looking to slow down and add a self-care yoga practice into your routine? Are you confused about which style of yoga is right for you? Well, you are not alone. I teach both yin yoga and restorative yoga. I’ve noticed that many people are confused between the two, not just the students but even some teachers as well as studios. It is easy to be confused, as they seem very similar on the surface.

So here is a simple list of the distinction between the two:

Similarities

• Both align with the yin energy – still, calm, slow, quiet.
• Poses are held for long period. Usually longer with Restorative.
• Need to LET GO of muscular efforts. Allow gravity to assist.
• Healing and nourishing to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Can be meditative, helping to still the mind.
• Sync with and observe the natural breathing pattern in the present moment.
• Good for insomnia, anxiety and stress.

Differences

Yin Yoga

• The main focus is to stretch at the level of connective tissues (ligaments and fascia).
• Need to make efforts to stretch while letting go of muscular efforts.
• Lubricates the joints.
• Can use as many props or no props creatively to support your body where it is NOW.
• Focuses mostly on lower part of the body. Very grounding.
• Opens energy channels at the meridian points based on traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Restorative Yoga

• The main focus is to support the nervous system to activate parasympathetic nervous system to bring your body into self healing mode.
• Make no efforts to stay in the pose allowing the props to support and open your body.
• The props are set up specifically to bring about opening while resting.
• Releases deep seated physical and emotional tension from relaxing.
• Optimizes digestion, organs, immune function.

 

Hope this helps and inspire to t take a class. As with any yoga practice, it has to be experienced first hand, which is why it’s called a practice.Based on what resonates with you from reading this post you can try one or try both and see how it feels in your body and mind afterwards.

Please check out my public classes to try one or both. If you are interested in learning more about yin yoga I’m also leading a Yin Yoga Workshop. Please click here to go to my events page for more info.

Please share this post with anyone you think might benefit from this information. I would love to hear your experience with either style of yoga. Please feel free to comments or ask any questions in the comments section below. Happy rejuvenation!!!

Peace & light,

Steph