Restorative and Yin yoga classes are similar in a way that both are slower and more prop heavy than many other yoga practices. Both are “Yin in the sense that they are slower, more lunar, and more introspective as opposed to the “Yang” which represents heat, light, and creation.
The big difference is in Yin Yoga we’re slowly working on the subtle (connective) tissues, while Restorative Yoga is designed for complete relaxation and recovery.
Yin yoga targets parts of our bodies that we don’t think about as often, like our ligaments, tendons joints, the fasciae, and the organs. By applying stress (tension, compression, shear, torsion) our bodies rejuvenate in the same way an old sponge can be resurrected— by soaking in warm water, twisting, squeezing, stretching— the old, grungy particles trapped in the tissues of the sponge are released and carried away by the warm water. Similarly, our tissues are massaged by Asana practice releasing toxins and wastewater. Even old scar tissues may be broken down and removed.
In Restorative Yoga, we make heavy use of props in order to cradle our bodies in a way that allows complete rest and promotes healing. By completely supporting the body with props, we alternatively stimulate and relax the body to move towards balance. Some poses have an overall benefit. Other target individual parts like the lungs or heart. All create a specific physiological response that is beneficial to health and can reduce the effects of stress-related diseases.
Practicing Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga at Yogakula Vienna. Here we offer yoga classes in English and in German. See our schedule to join a variety of yin and restorative yoga classes.
See you soon!
Namaste, Erika
Photo by: Lenka Minarik