Yin vs. Restorative - What's The Difference?

Is Yin Yoga the same as Restorative Yoga? No, but they do have a lot in common...
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Hey yogis, thanks for tuning in! In today's video I wanted to address a question I've gotten hundreds of times over the past 5 years and I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to address it!
Is Yin Yoga the same as Restorative Yoga?
The answer is NO, they are not the same. HOWEVER, they have a lot of similarities!
Yin yoga comes from Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine whereas Restorative Yoga comes from Hatha Yoga. The intention of Yin Yoga is to clear energetic blockages and work on the connective tissues of the body. The intention of Restorative yoga is to soothe the parasympathetic nervous system and bring you back to an optimal level of wellbeing.
They are similar because they both use passive poses held for an extended period of time and there is often an overlap in the poses.
Like I mention at the end of this video, I would love to hear from you! I specialize in Yin Yoga but would love to hear especially from Restorative Yoga teachers. I hope this video clears things up for you :)
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Kassandra
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#yinyoga #restorativeyoga

[@sarahbethyoga]

Great explanation! I love Yin and Restorative for different reasons. I always find that Yin is an “Intense, active relaxation” and Restorative is a “calming, gentle relaxation” is that makes sense. And ohhhh yes it’s so easy to go past your edge in Yin 🙈

[@dongmeilyu9688]

As a Chinese person, I am so glad that you shared this video, because I’ve been practicing yin yoga these days and honestly I have no idea it has something to do with Taoism.

[@sarahschwarz9972]

Please don’t doubt your ability to explain; you did a great job and I feel that I really learned what I needed to know ❤️

[@jessicahill7920]

You explained it perfectly! Better than I have heard anyone else explain it. I love you and I love your channel. Keep up the good work, Kassandra. 👍 Namaste.🙏💚

[@JazzBara]

Hello Kassandra, from my experience, I can say that I find Yin yoga to be kind of hard for my body, but the Restorative yoga is really easy and relaxing for me.

[@marioni116]

I would love to see more restorative (vs yin) classes that lasted a little longer. Maybe 45 minutes to an hour. I love your channel. 🌺

[@lifeonpurpose89]

I teach 60 mins restorative yoga classes and my students like it shorter 😂 they’re not used to “being still”

[@DaraMontgomery]

I have been taking restorative yoga for 8 months. Today I took my fist Yin class. I saw some similarities, but needed to understand the difference so I practiced accurately. Your explanation was perfect. Thank you.

[@TheYogina]

Such a wonderful down to earth young lady! "I don't know everything" love the humbleness.

[@lourdesgyan]

I love the acknowledgement of the Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I love how the energetic body is chi and prana etc converge anthropologically, looking similar but having different intentions.

[@mikebaker2436]

This was a good explanation. Sometimes going through nuance feels like we are being confusing, but this seemed like a very clear and worthwhile video to me.

[@paulettejordan2564]

They’re both my favorite styles. I’m glad there’s a video showing their differences.

[@brendalongacre487]

I would have to a continuous comparison too, so good job. I'm sharing this with my daughter, who suffers from chronic pain. She knows yoga can help, but some days (a lot, lately) any movement or sensation feels like sandpaper on the skin or joints. I'm hoping this can help her in her better times.

[@thehomeofimperfectyoga]

i'm also in the chronic pain camp, and i'm practicing both yin and restorative. if these styles are too strong for your daughter on bad days, how about something like yoga nidra, which is very restoring without the harshness of sensation that can come with putting your body in shapes it can't handle.

[@judyvolhart1709]

Good explanation. I teach restorative and how it was taught to me is that in restorative the goal is complete relaxation of muscles vs in yin there is still some active stretching happening

[@nesifalldin6891]

Thank you so much Kassandra! That was a wonderful explanation 😉 as I teach both YinYoga and RestorativeYoga ❤ NAMASTE 🙏🌟

[@eelkeaptroot1393]

I´ve only taken a real-life Yin once, never any real-life restorative, but I´ve done both types online with Melissa West and I must say you´ve captured the spirit of the experience very well. Restorative takes poses less deep, thus allows for even longer holds compared to Yin as is also my experience and I had noticed Yin sometimes uses other names for poses and focuses on meridians. I like both really, depending on what type of effect I´m looking for, though on most days my favourite is still a more active vinyasa style.

[@lauraramos4294]

Thanks so much for posting the name, I've been looking for a good yin yoga channel for almost a month

[@angelasanles-luksetich1788]

@@lauraramos4294 One of my favorite yin yoga teachers, beside Kassandra, is Bernie Clark.

[@monaabdelbaset8726]

It occurred to me that restorative yoga brings you to a point of zen or stillness (balance), while yin yoga pushes you deep into yin/passive/releasing side, which obviously implies effort and transformation going on. So restorative opts for 0, yin opts for going on the negative side of a continuum.

[@lusdeimyalfonsodurruthy9041]

asxcvb

[@victoriatanner-tremaine928]

Thank you, this has been so helpful. I'm chronically ill and have definitely felt the differences, especially not often being comfortable during some yin yoga but not really known whether it was just me. Now I know I should focus on restorative yoga. x

[@patriziamicca1967]

Hi. Yes clear and not easy to explain as they are similar. I was looking for the differences because I want to take up a course and I was not sure on what base to choose. Now I can make an informed choice. Thank you and Happy new yearxx

[@marioni116]

Thank you, Kassandra. I've taken classes in both restorative and yin yoga. I knew they were different and I enjoy both for different reasons. I did not know the different origins. And I think different intents is a an excellent way to describe them. You did a great job. Thanks again. 🌺

[@stefaniaditerlizzi1985]

Love it! It will be amazing if you could do other video with other styles of yoga and explain them! Thank you ❤️

[@AI-uk1qt]

Very precise explanation...I Thank You🙏🏽

[@TheChrysalisGal]

Fantastic explanation! Thank you for the clarification. I am new to Yin…. Just started this earlier in this year and I absolutely love it. I really appreciate and love both your yin and vinyasa classes.

[@martineeid3598]

Great explanation. Thank you for the information. Namaste 🙏🏼

[@noestestristecass]

Excellent explanation, I was searching for this difference many times and finally it is clear

[@kimikloberdanz7449]

This explanation was great! I have done limited restorative yoga and am just discovering yin yoga on your awesome channel. I liked the way you covered the origin of both practices, and the way you described going to an edge was very helpful in making it more clear what this practice should feel like. It clarifies to me that yin yoga is a better fit for my intention. Thank you! Your channel is amazing!

[@BlakePompu121]

That was a great explanation. I really always thought they where the same thing. Thanks for the video.

[@jgirl345]

Thanks for not rambling! Very informative but straightforward and to the point, very much appreciated 👍

[@pamelashironaka7516]

Thank you for explaining the differences/similarities. I felt that was a clarification of the 2 practices and yes I know the differences when you actually are experience the poses. Love both practices!!!

[@Cocktail.witch.newhaven]

This is a great video but you’re pronouncing asana incorrectly. It’s a long A (AH-sana).

[@trinamcelroy3241]

That was super helpful! i just found your channel this morning and loving it so far! Thank you, Kassandra!

[@annagarcia9781]

Whew - that was a lot of good info at one time. I had to take a breath when you were done :) ..... Thank you!

[@brendaleister6058]

Wow! You are a wealth of knowledge!!

[@tanyakhan2741]

You were very clear! This was so informative! Thank you! Looking forward to more information for yin yoga online training! Can't wait!

[@YogawithSaskia]

Thanks for this very clear explanation!

[@denissayang9545]

Cool !! This is what I need. If people asked I would just send your link. Thanks Kassandra very helpful information. I read similar explanation from Bernie website.

[@brianmccann6481]

Wonderful, clear explanation. Thank you.

[@sharonsterling2576]

Thank you! Your explaining was spot on! I wasn't sure until I heard your distinction how they were different.

[@sherrycook4468]

Such a good explanation! It really makes sense to me now! 🙏

[@person-yu8cu]

I find this a useful explanation. I thought yin basically was a synonym for restorative yoga. I think I need both yin and restorative to help both with chronic symptoms, as well as to gain a level of meditation, which I can't get with normal breathing meditation.

[@zumbafanification51]

Good explanation Kassandra. Thank you. I have been searching for the explanation for this.

[@elsuu1]

Great explanation! I never knew these differences and also didn't know all that about meridians vs. chakras, or maybe I'd heard of it but had forgotten... Interesting nevertheless.

[@yogawithkassandra]

Hope you find this video helpful! *Click below for some goodies 👇* 📸 Instagram: bit.ly/ywkinsta 🌺 FREE 7 Day Yin Yoga Immersion 🌺 bit.ly/yinimmersion 😍 ONLINE YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING 😍 Get certified to teach! ❤️ bit.ly/yinytt 🙏🏻 Join my YWK Student Community on Facebook! bit.ly/ywkfbgroup

[@thuyawishes8768]

I love the way you teach, have a good day Kassandra 🕊🤍🦚

[@FlexNFly]

This is such a great explanation of both! Awesome content Kassandra.

[@jaimiemiles2425]

Thank you for the explanation! ❤

[@lg2971]

This is a very clear explanation. Thank you!

[@jean-cesarlammert218]

Very helpful thanks

[@frederikalatif7263]

A great informative and simple explanation. X

[@clintbizkit]

oh nevermind! just read what you wrote in description. .. but thanks so sooooo much for clearing this up. made complete sense to me.

[@Hoolopful]

Your explanation is just perfect, thank you so so so much ❤️

[@laus7717]

So well explained!! Thank you!!🙏🏼😘

[@magdalenaornelas1739]

Thank you so much. A lots of examples. I love your flower arrangements!

[@abb1351]

I loved this video thank yo so much for discussing this topic, I had no idea that you yoga was from a more TCM/Taoist perspective, it's so interesting are there any good books you would recommend about learning more about you yoga? Thanks so much😁

[@amandatkids854]

HI, perhaps you treat yourself to Kassandra's book on yin yoga

[@abb1351]

@@amandatkids854 hi thanks for the suggestion! I meant more about Taoist and TCM philosophy as it pertains to yin yoga rather than the physical practice of yin yoga. Hope that makes sense but if you or anyone else has any ideas I welcome them. Have a great day!😁

[@amandatkids854]

Aspyn b Sorry I misunderstood. I hope you find one, or more good books about yin yoga! It's my absolute favorite style of yoga and Kassandra is wonderful! Enjoy and you also, have a great day!

[@abb1351]

@@amandatkids854 me too! Yin is hands down my favorite and Kassandra is my favorite instructor I want to take her teacher training that she is coming out with later this month to take my yin practice further.

[@floraleung4012]

I do your yoga with my other email account on my tv. Love it! You are very good. I like your explanation too. I refer your site to my friend as well.

[@TonyViper]

Hey Kassandra, can you make a video where you get the neck, shoulders, chest and back well stretched? :) And thank you for your videos they are incredibly valuable

[@botanicazilla]

She already has those covered.

[@shirleypryor5092]

You did an excellent job. Namastay

[@lisas474]

Thank you for clearing the confusion. You got a new subscriber. Namaste

[@passing4human598]

This is great and you explained it perfectly.

[@chezzanna]

I love your Yin classes!

[@Valerieann100]

Thank you for clarifying with great info.. Much appresciated

[@TessaInTX]

Thank you for sharing this information! I found it very helpful.

[@myozbubble]

Thank you for sharing this. I was wondering.

[@bekah5504]

I think you explained this very well 💕 thank you !

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Yoga Fight! Yoga Fight!

[@katelynhickmon1860]

This was very helpful, explained perfectly

[@elisenieuwe4649]

I was wondering this as well sometimes :p

[@71Tortoise]

Great explanations thank you! I’ve subscribed to your channel.

[@kamomedias1]

Great explanation thanks! Its easier compréhensive!

[@zxipex123]

Very informative and interesting! Thank you! 😊

[@isabellewalker7586]

Great explanation, very precise.

[@worldview730]

Thanks for clearing things up, now I think I have a better understanding of this subject. Now if I can only see a side by side demo of these two approaches? Namaste🙏

[@suzanneconnolly3365]

I thought it was a wonderful explanation!

[@Valerieann100]

Also love your classes!

[@yonatjellinek-lipson8526]

Do you have restorative yoga in your channel.

[@evdavila1287]

Excellent! TY

[@judydeshon2675]

Really great, thank you!

[@jennysjoberg-hathavinyasay7270]

Great explanation :)!!

[@zumbafanification51]

Can you please explain a bit more the difference of Meridian and Chakra

[@maggiecarr8924]

Great explanation

[@kamomedias1]

Very interesting :)

[@zumbafanification51]

Kassandra I really like the way you explain it. You are transparent. May I ask if you are 500 hour RYT?

[@clintbizkit]

so hatha isn't relative to yin or restorative either!?

[@yogawithkassandra]

Restorative yoga comes from Hatha! Yin comes from Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine but uses Hatha postures.

[@lanaiannuccilli3554]

Do you offer restorative yoga courses?

[@amirprog]

Yin>rest. Afaic. Relaxed muscles, natural breathing. Want yang? Do restorstive yoga or something else of yang. Simple.

[@thehomeofimperfectyoga]

but restorative ISN'T a yang practice...

[@jasm76]

Vinyasa is yang

[@misa6608]

Finally someone that knows that Yin yoga originates from China!!

[@irisstumpf9732]

🙏🙏🙏

[@DunkzGam1ng]

So basically, the difference is: you say tomato I say tomato.

[@triciaking7705]

Great explanation. I just wish your pronunciation was better. Hatha, chakras, and asana aren’t being pronounced properly. But your videos are great and very informative.

[@KikiKalena]

Tricia King She’s not pronouncing Taoism correctly either.

[@marcelalopez5473]

😋😋😋😋

[@rajakrayma6669]

Kassandra i think you are budhism?

[@person-yu8cu]

5:03 because of capitalism

[@chansonette22]

super super helpful. i do both. you nailed it. this clarity helps

[@lillysyoga]

This is a great explanation! Thank you

[@Selina-dr3kq]

Thank you for this amazing explanations❤️🙏🏻🌟

[@sherriraderstorf5150]

Excellent! Great explanation.

[@maural1931]

So helpful. Thanks!