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HomeYogaWhat’s the Distinction? – Rachel Scott

What’s the Distinction? – Rachel Scott


Yin and Restorative yoga look rather a lot alike. In spite of everything, college students lay on the ground, maintain poses a very long time, use props, and sometimes seem like they’re shedding consciousness (in a great way). So what’s the distinction between yin and restorative yoga?

Although the postures could look comparable, it might shock you to know that these types are very totally different! Let’s begin with the aim of those two types of observe:

  • The aim of a restorative yoga class is to calm the nervous system and supply deep relaxation and rest.
  • The aim of yin class is to place wholesome stress throughout the yin (connective) tissues of the physique.

Let’s have a look at every fashion individually.

Restorative

Rules of Restorative Yoga:

  • Facilitate the pacification of the nervous system
  • Launch postural muscle tissues
  • Use props to help the physique in a useful relationship to gravity

With a view to calm the nervous system and supply deep relaxation and rest for the physique, a restorative class helps the physique in gravity in a state of repose. Certain, some restorative poses could have slightly stretch to them (like a supported ahead fold or supported twist), however the intention of the pose is to engender rest – to not stretch or add stress to the tissues. We’d 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) with a purpose to enable the nervous system to loosen up somewhat than to “deepen” a stretch.

To facilitate deep rest, the objective of props is due to this fact to offer ease for the physique. In restorative, no elements of the physique ought to “hang around” in gravity unsupported; all elements 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 observe, we’d add blocks or blankets below the ft so the heels aren’t hanging out in area.

Many of the joints of the physique ought to be in a delicate 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 tissues get to take a break. As a result of we wish the physique to be peaceable, the physique in restorative yoga ought to be stored heat. “Secure, darkish, and heat,” as restorative chief Judith Hanson Lasaster has mentioned. 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 wish the sensation of a restorative class to be cozy. Our intention? Offering absolute consolation.

Yin

Rules of Yin:

  • Add a healthful stress to the “yin” tissues of the physique (tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, joint capsules)
  • Loosen up all muscular effort
  • Domesticate mindfulness within the midst of the “edge” of sensation

Not like restorative, yin yoga does stress the tissues of the physique, particularly, the connective tissue. Quite than stretch muscle tissues (yang tissue), yin yoga is designed to position a gradual, cheap stress to connective tissue with a purpose to facilitate well being and hydration. Whereas each yin and restorative eshew muscular effort, yin invitations sensation (even wholesome discomfort) with a purpose to deal with connective tissue. We’d say {that a} yin poses invitations a “stretch” of 50-80%.

Within the yin observe, we use props, definitely. Nevertheless, props are supposed to help us in a protected relationship to gravity somewhat than mitigate gravity altogether. In yin, we’re in search of a focused sensation (yin sensations embrace stress, 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 individual 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 observe invitations an inexpensive fringe of discomfort, meditation and rest in yin happens by way of the potential depth of sensation somewhat than in its absence. Offering stress to connective tissue can really be very enjoyable 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 lovely practices. Nevertheless, their items can get muddied after we merge the types and train restorative with stretching or yin with an excessive amount of help. By clarifying and holding true to the intention of every fashion, we will extra absolutely share their distinctive items.

PS: Are you trying to supply a yin trainer coaching at your studio? I might help! Try my yin sources right here.

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