Yin and Restorative yoga look lots alike. In any case, college students lay on the ground, maintain poses a very long time, use props, and sometimes appear like they’re dropping consciousness (in a great way). So what’s the distinction between yin and restorative yoga?
Although the postures could look related, it could shock you to know that these kinds are very totally different! Let’s begin with the aim of those two kinds of follow:
- The aim of a restorative yoga class is to calm the nervous system and supply deep relaxation and leisure.
- The aim of yin class is to place wholesome pressure throughout the yin (connective) tissues of the physique.
Let’s take a look at every model individually.
Restorative
Ideas of Restorative Yoga:
- Facilitate the pacification of the nervous system
- Launch postural muscle tissue
- Use props to assist the physique in a useful relationship to gravity
To be able to calm the nervous system and supply deep relaxation and leisure for the physique, a restorative class helps the physique in gravity in a state of repose. Positive, some restorative poses could have a bit stretch to them (like a supported ahead fold or supported twist), however the intention of the pose is to engender leisure – to not stretch or add pressure to the tissues. We would say that in restorative, the physique is held in a state the place the tissues could also be stretched 0-50%. The stretch ought to “fade” into the background of the pose for the practitioner, somewhat than be a major space of focus. Restorative poses are held for a very long time (5-10 minutes) so as to enable the nervous system to loosen up somewhat than to “deepen” a stretch.
To facilitate deep leisure, the function of props is subsequently to supply ease for the physique. In restorative, no components of the physique ought to “hang around” in gravity unsupported; all components of the physique ought to really feel grounded. For instance, let’s say you place somebody’s knees on a bolster (yay), however their heels are dangling off the ground. In a restorative follow, we might add blocks or blankets underneath the ft so the heels aren’t hanging out in area.
Many of the joints of the physique ought to be in a smooth state of flexion (for instance: fingers curling in, elbows and knees barely bent, chin barely tucked) to facilitate a way of repose. Even a restorative backbend ought to facilitate quiet and calm somewhat than activation. Even the ever-vigilant postural muscle tissue get to take a break. As a result of we would like the physique to be peaceable, the physique in restorative yoga ought to be stored heat. “Protected, darkish, and heat,” as restorative chief Judith Hanson Lasaster has stated. Blankets, socks, even wooly hats are welcome (or have the room barely heated). We’re not going for lots of warmth right here, however we would like the sensation of a restorative class to be cozy. Our intention? Offering absolute consolation.
Yin
Ideas of Yin:
- Add a healthful pressure to the “yin” tissues of the physique (tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, joint capsules)
- Calm down all muscular effort
- Domesticate mindfulness within the midst of the “edge” of sensation
In contrast to restorative, yin yoga does stress the tissues of the physique, particularly, the connective tissue. Fairly than stretch muscle tissue (yang tissue), yin yoga is designed to position a gentle, cheap pressure to connective tissue so as to facilitate well being and hydration. Whereas each yin and restorative eshew muscular effort, yin invitations sensation (even wholesome discomfort) so as to deal with connective tissue. We would say {that a} yin poses invitations a “stretch” of 50-80%.
Within the yin follow, we use props, actually. Nonetheless, props are supposed to assist us in a protected relationship to gravity somewhat than mitigate gravity altogether. In yin, we’re searching for a focused sensation (yin sensations embrace pressure, achiness, stretching…by no means any sharp, tingling, or acute sensation). As a result of all our bodies are totally different, props could also be used to facilitate every particular person discovering their private, tolerable, and useful edge. In yin, the physique does “hang around” in area a bit somewhat than being fully supported by props.
As a result of the yin follow invitations an inexpensive fringe of discomfort, meditation and leisure in yin happens by way of the potential depth of sensation somewhat than in its absence. Offering pressure to connective tissue can truly be very stress-free for the physique and nervous system (there could also be drool and snores), however we’re attending to that place through a unique route than we’re in restorative.
Closing Ideas
Restorative and yin are each stunning practices. Nonetheless, their presents can get muddied once we merge the kinds and educate restorative with stretching or yin with an excessive amount of assist. By clarifying and holding true to the intention of every model, we are able to extra absolutely share their distinctive presents.
PS: Are you trying to provide a yin instructor coaching at your studio? I may help! Take a look at my yin sources right here.
Sources:
