The word “restorative” is translated as strengthening, invigorating, healing.
Yin yoga and restorative yoga are both modern, very passive yoga styles in which the exercises are held for a very long time and the body should come to rest as relaxed as possible.
Yin yoga focuses more on stretching the deep fascia structures and stimulating the flow of energy in the meridians. Restorative yoga primarily involves complete passivity with letting go of the body and even longer holding times. Aids provide maximum support for the body so that it can be optimally transferred into a very comfortable, passive state.
This style was originally developed in Puna at the Iyengar Center. It was B.K.S. Iyengar’s response to people who sought help from him due to illness. However, his previous yoga exercises proved to be too difficult and so a new form of practice was developed, which was used over time in special “medical classes”.
The eldest daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar, gives an insight here:
So today’s Restorative Yoga is based on the Iyengar style, here is a typical instruction:
Continue to the next yoga style: Sivananda Yoga
