Somatic and restorative yoga are gentle practices emphasising relaxation and mindfulness, but they have distinct approaches and goals. Here’s a breakdown of the differences and similarities between the two:
Somatic Yoga
- Focus: Somatic yoga centres on developing deep body awareness and tuning into the internal sensations and experiences of the body. It emphasizes the exploration of movement and the subtle aspects of how the body feels.
- Movement: The movements in somatic yoga are often slow, gentle, and exploratory. They are designed to help practitioners become aware of habitual movement patterns, release tension, and improve the mind-body connection. The practice can include small, precise movements and may not always involve traditional yoga poses.
- Intent: The primary intent is to increase body awareness, release stored tension, and integrate the mind and body. It can also be used as a therapeutic tool for trauma release and emotional healing.
- Experience: Somatic yoga encourages a deep, introspective experience. Practitioners are often guided to focus inward, paying close attention to the sensations within the body rather than achieving a specific external posture.
Restorative Yoga
- Focus: Restorative yoga focuses on relaxation, rest, and recovery. It aims to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being by allowing the body to fully relax and rejuvenate.
- Movement: Restorative yoga involves holding passive poses for extended periods, typically with the support of props such as bolsters, blankets, and blocks. The poses are designed to be comfortable and require minimal effort, allowing the body to relax completely.
- Intent: The primary purpose is to facilitate deep relaxation and healing. It is often used to help manage stress, recover from physical exertion, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
- Experience: The experience in restorative yoga is typically quiet and meditative. Practitioners are encouraged to focus on their breath and the feeling of being supported by the props, which can lead to a state of deep rest and relaxation.
Similarities
- Mindfulness: Both practices emphasize mindfulness and being present in the moment. Practitioners are encouraged to tune into their bodies and breath.
- Gentle Approach: Both somatic and restorative yoga are gentle practices, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Both can offer therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress, relieving tension, and promoting emotional and physical healing.
Differences
- Nature of Movement: Somatic yoga often involves more movement and exploration, while restorative yoga is characterized by stillness and passive stretching.
- Use of Props: While both may use props, restorative yoga relies heavily on them to support the body in comfortable positions, whereas somatic yoga may use them occasionally for alignment or support.
- Goals: Somatic yoga aims to increase body awareness and explore the internal experience, whereas restorative yoga focuses more on rest and recovery.
In summary, while somatic yoga and restorative yoga share some similarities, they are distinct practices with different approaches and goals. Somatic yoga is more focused on movement exploration and body awareness, while restorative yoga emphasizes deep relaxation and recovery. Both can be valuable practices for promoting overall well-being and can complement each other well.
