Which yoga practice is known for its restorative benefits?

Yin yoga is renowned for its restorative benefits, primarily focusing on deep tissue stretching and long-held poses that target the fascia and connective tissues in the body. This practice emphasizes gentle movements and extended holds, often ranging from three to five minutes per pose. This approach encourages relaxation, allowing practitioners to release tension and stress while also improving flexibility and joint mobility.

The slow pace of Yin yoga supports a meditative state, fostering mental calmness and allowing for introspection and mindfulness. This makes it particularly beneficial for those recovering from intense workouts, looking to relieve chronic stress, or seeking restorative practice to balance more vigorous styles of yoga. In contrast, styles like Bikram and Power yoga prioritize strength and endurance, while Ashtanga emphasizes a dynamic, flowing sequence of postures, which may not focus on restorative elements as deeply as Yin yoga does.