What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga is a practice that holds yoga poses, or asanas, for a longer duration of time than usual, through the use of props such as yoga blocks. Restorative yoga emphasizes deep relaxation and as such I would suggest this practice to anyone who wants to focus on the meditative aspect of Yoga. As this practice is less physically intense it is often confused with Yin Yoga. Although both practices aim to release deep tension, restorage yoga works by releasing this tension passively whereas Yin Yoga works by active stretching. Restorative Yoga emphasizes complete relaxation of the body as it is based off of the principle that complete bodily relaxation allows the mind to relax which allows tension to be released from both the body and the mind.