What are the differences between restorative yoga and yin yoga?

blog post whats the difference between restorative and yin yoga jennifer raye

It makes sense that restorative yoga and yin yoga are sometimes confused with one another. These two practices are similar in many ways. They’re both slow, receptive, calming, cooling, and oftentimes, they both emphasize contemplative teachings.

These two practices do have some essential differences though. I often get asked how these two forms of yoga are different from each other, so watch the video and read the post to learn more:

In comparison to a more “yang” practice, restorative yoga and yin yoga are both “yin”. Yang yoga is active and dynamic, whereas, restorative and yin yoga have qualities that are yin; they’re both slow and passive to a degree.

Restorative yoga was mostly created by B.K.S Iyengar. It was then further developed and popularized by teachers such as Judith Lasater. The restorative practice was originally created to help students who were ill, unwell, or injured. Props were used to support the body so that the student could experience the benefits of particular postures without needing strength or as much mobility as an active practice requires. It was originally created to support students with specific concerns, but it can also be used by anyone looking to create deep rest and restoration in their practice.

The term yin yoga is a relatively new term that is used to describe a form of practice where postures are held, mostly on the floor, for longer periods of time in a passive way. These long holds put pressure on the connective tissues leading to healthier joints, and hydration in the fascia. Keep in mind, the practice of holding poses is not new and pre-dates the term “yin yoga”.

The practice of restorative yoga uses props to aid in relaxation of the body and mind. As a student rests in a pose for a longer period of time, they are encouraged to release and let go. Postures are designed to support the deep interior of the body, including the organs. It’s common for poses to be held between 5-20 minutes. In this form of practice, the body is set up with props in a way that usually elicits very little sensation. This encourages the parasympathetic system to “turn on” leading to relaxation.

There is a spectrum of relaxation in restorative yoga. Some restorative yoga is extremely gentle but there are times when a more active pose is practiced in a restorative way. For example, doing an active forward fold and supporting the head, or practicing a supported backbend on a chair could be considered more restorative. Even though there is active engagement in some parts of the body, other parts of the body are supported and encouraged to release.

In the yin yoga style we are looking for sensation. Yin yoga relies on the theory that tissues need appropriate stress to become resilient, more supple, and strong. Yin yoga puts pressure on the connective tissue and ligaments through holding passive postures, mostly on the floor, over a longer period of time. Usually around 2-5 minutes. As a persons practice matures, they may hold poses for longer periods of time. In yin yoga, poses are done with less prop support. This is so the pose puts pressure or stress on the tissues and joints leading to mobility, circulation and flexibility.

Yin yoga can be relaxing and calming, but because the tissues are being pressurized and sensation is present we’re not always completely comfortable. Yin yoga can also be “restorative”, in the sense that it helps to restore the vital energies of the body.

These two systems are also differentiated by the sets of postures used. To learn more about yin yoga postures you can check out my yin yoga tutorials which you’ll find here. You can find examples of restorative poses here and here.

Keep in mind, there is some crossover of poses between the two systems. In this case, determining whether it’s a yin pose or a restorative pose will be dependant on how the pose is set up, what props are used, and how much/what kind of sensation is being experienced.

As you can see, there are many differences and similarities between these two systems. This is a big topic, so let me know in the comments below what you think! What are your thoughts about restorative and yin?

Mindful Yin Yoga Foundations Teacher Training

Yin Somatics Training - Oct.2024

More To Explore

blog post yin yoga sequence for the heart and lung meridians jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Sequence for the Heart and Lung Meridians

Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Heart and Lung Within our yin yoga practice we can practice sequences of poses that directly target ...
Read More →
blog post free mindful yin yoga jennifer raye

Free Mindful Yin Yoga Video

The terms yin and yang come from Taoism and have been adopted by yoga practitioners to describe types of movement. The name ...
Read More →
blog post yin yoga sequence for fall jennifer raye

Yin Yoga Sequence for Fall

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yin Yoga for Fall To sequence a yin yoga practice first choose your theme. Some examples of themes ...
Read More →
blog post 10 min yoga practice for legs back fatigue jennifer raye 2

10 min Yoga Practice for Legs and Back

Today’s simple and quiet yoga practice is done completely on the floor. This allows the body to rest while increasing circulation in the feet, legs, ...
Read More →
satya yoga practice jennifer raye

15 Minute S.A.T.Y.A Yoga Practice

This short and sweet class introduces a few foundational movements that are a part of a somatic practice system called S.A.T.Y.A. (sensory awareness training for ...
Read More →
blog post what is yin yoga how does it work jennifer raye

What is Yin Yoga? How does Yin Yoga work?

The practice of yoga that we do today comes from varied traditions based in ancient India. Most of what is called yoga today can be ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top