Restorative and yin yoga are becoming more and more popular and loved by many people for their great health benefits. At first glance, these two types of yoga are quite similar, but in fact, besides the similarities, both have their own characteristics.
Restorative and yin yoga are two types of slow-paced yoga that are suitable for people of all levels. How are these two different? Should you practice restorative yoga, yin yoga, or both? All these concerns will be answered through the sharing below of easyhealthylive.com.
What is Restorative and Yin Yoga?
What is Restorative?
Restoretive yoga is a popular form in America in the 1970s, founded by Judith Lasater, she is one of the first deceased of BKS Iyengar (Founder of Iyengar Yoga). Restorative yoga is a type of yoga known for its relaxing, calming, and restorative effects.
Any type of posture that is “mixed” together but has a feeling of lightness and relaxation is still called restorative yoga. And something very similar to Iyengar Yoga is that you will have to regularly use props such as Yoga bricks, mats, rings, straps … and the movements of Restoretive Yoga also often keep longer than the movements of other types. .
What is Yin Yoga?
A type of yoga that includes slow-paced, gentle movements, paying attention to the breath. This type of yoga inherits from the type of hatha yoga combined with qigong, based on the concept of yin and yang (yin yang of Taoism).
If yang yoga focuses on movement movements, stretching and stretching postures to improve muscles, yin yoga focuses mainly on deep connective tissues (ligaments and tendons).
>>>See detailed benefits and how to perform Yin yoga at: “Yin Yoga: Benefits and Experiences You May Not Know“
Similarities between restorative and yin yoga
Restorative yoga and yin yoga are both slow-paced forms of yoga. During the practice, you will do the poses slowly and focus only on about 10 different poses in a 90-minute class.
In addition, these two types of yoga both derive from hatha yoga. Both have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, helping you discover yourself and focus on your breathing. The purpose of restorative and yin yoga is usually to stretch muscles and tissues and cool down the body.
Both this restorative and yin yoga are derived from hatha yoga
Difference between restorative yoga and yin yoga
The difference between restorative and yin yoga is perhaps most obvious in their names. Restorative yoga is a type of yoga that restores the body.
However, most types can do this to some extent, from healing arthritis and knee injuries to digestive problems. So what is the difference between restorative yoga? In fact, the restorative effect of restorative yoga will lie in helping the damaged body to restore itself back to its normal state.
While restorative yoga focuses on recovery when the body suffers from specific diseases, yin yoga has a deep impact on the connective tissues to trigger changes in these tissues. When practicing yin yoga, you will have to hold the pose for 3-5 minutes, even longer to find peace of mind.
When practicing restorative yoga, you will be 100% comfortable and smooth.
In addition, a key difference is that when practicing restorative yoga, you will be 100% comfortable and smooth. While taking a yin yoga class, it is normal for you to feel uncomfortable at times.
In particular, in the type of restorative yoga, supporting tools such as pillows, bricks, ropes, thin blankets… are always used and “softness” is an indispensable property. Therefore, this type is extremely good for people who have just recovered or have an injury.
As for yin yoga, whether the equipment is used or not depends on the teacher and student, but the frequency of use will always be less than restorative yoga. The practice of yin yoga is also great. In addition to the physical benefits on the body, this type also helps to calm the mind with a sense of peace, relaxation.
Should you choose restorative yoga or yin yoga?
Yin yoga is a great exercise to strengthen and improve flexibility in the body as these exercises mainly focus on the areas around the joints. With just a few sessions, you’ll feel your hips open up, your muscles toned, and your mind more relaxed. In the long run, it also helps to lubricate joints, release stiffness and increase flexibility in the body. Meanwhile, restorative yoga is exercises that help restore and heal damaged bodies.
If you are in pain, restorative yoga is really the right yoga exercise for you
To determine which type of yoga is right for you, listen to your body. Do you need exercises to support the treatment of diseases such as back pain, arthritis? Have you been injured recently or are you experiencing chronic pain? If your answer is yes, restorative yoga exercises will be the right choice because it can help support the treatment of the injuries you are experiencing. However, before starting to practice, you should still ask your doctor and yoga teacher for instructions on the most suitable movements.
What if you want to increase the flexibility of the body? Want to lubricate joints? Want to challenge yourself to go deeper physically and emotionally? Want to explore the potential of the body? Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone? If so, yin yoga would be the right exercise.
Overall, both restorative and yin yoga bring a lot of great benefits to the body. However, depending on your health status, you should choose the most suitable type for you.
Reference source
What’s the Difference Between Restorative and Yin Yoga? https://www.doyou.com/whats-the-difference-between-restorative-and-yin-yoga/ Access date: 16/6/2020
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
