​​Yin Yoga is where practitioners immerse themselves in passive poses for extended periods, typically ranging from 3-10 minutes. It’s widely believed that Yin Yoga originated in China, but the practice is in fact deeply rooted in the time-honored tradition of Classical Hatha Yoga. Initially, Hatha Yoga, with its long holds, was a monk's discipline, where poses would be held for up to 10 minutes at a time. However, as gurus like Swami Sivananda introduced it to the masses, durations were adjusted to 1-3 minutes to make it more accessible.

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Yin Yoga can easily be distinguished by its focus on passive (yin) postures which minimize muscle activity and stretch the connective tissues. It's about effortlessly settling into a pose, often supported by props such as cushions and bolsters. While the postures are reminiscent of Classical Hatha Yoga asanas, they've been renamed to stand apart. Paul Grilley describes Yin Yoga quite perfectly in his book as “old wine in a new bottle.”

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Restorative yoga is a restful practice that encourages you to slow down and open your body through passive stretching. Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, restorative yoga involves holding poses for longer durations, typically between 5 to 20 minutes, often supported by props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks. This approach allows practitioners to relax deeply, promoting both physical and mental well-being.