Dru Yoga
Dru yoga teachers near you
How can Dru yoga nourish you?
Dru yoga is a holistic yoga practice that incorporates flowing movements, breathwork and meditation[1], to create a powerful and rejuvenating experience that works on the body, mind and spirit. Unique to Dru yoga is the fundamental pattern that is followed in any Dru yoga class. This includes five composite stages[2]: activation, Energy Block Release Sequences (EBR), flow sequences, relaxation, and Dru meditation.
‘Dru’ is derived[3] from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhruva,’ meaning still and unchanging. In essence, the stillness that is cultivated during this experience allows us to detach from our surroundings, and act from a place of inner calm and clarity.
This inclusive and dynamic practice is designed for people of all abilities, fitness levels[4] and ages. As such, practitioners tailor the class to the ability of the individual, incorporating effective techniques to manage the individual’s well-being at the level[5] of the body, mind and spirit.
Dru Australasia[6] is a not-for-profit organisation offering Dru yoga workshops, online classes, teacher training and other resources in Australia and Aotearoa.
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Practitioners offering Dru Yoga
Benefits of Dru yoga
The benefits of Dru yoga reflect its core philosophy of a mind-body-spirit practice.
Dru yoga benefits the physical body by improving strength and flexibility, and increasing core[7] stability. But equally as important, it is said to enhance mental and emotional well-being by heightening positivity and promoting relaxation.
There is also compounding research confirming yoga offers numerous benefits for occupational health[8]. In a recently published systematic review, it was shown that yoga, including Dru yoga, is an effective tool for improving resiliency to work-related stress[9]. Furthermore, the National Health System (NHS) in the United Kingdom have launched an evidence-based workplace programme[10] that uses Dru yoga for preventing and relieving back pain.
Clinical studies have also reported that Dru yoga can be used as an effective tool to improve the psychological well-being of first-time mothers[11].
Dru yoga may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a Dru yoga session
The practice begins with the activation phase[12], which incorporates stretching and strengthening movements that warm up the body and activate the subtle internal energy systems. The activation phase is followed by Energy Block Release Sequences (EBR)[13]. This component is unique to Dru yoga[14], with each EBR aimed at releasing physical or emotional blockages in the body.
Following the EBR sequences are Dru asanas (postures) and sequences, which focus on soft, gentle flowing movements. Students are encouraged to keep their joints soft and relaxed[15] to create flexibility, allowing the free flow of energy, and promoting relaxation. This is an empowering phase, with the flow of movement creating moments of stillness, or ‘Dru points.’ The practice is closed with Dru meditation, enabling students to relax into stillness and find the quietness within.
As with any exercise or wellness program, it is always advisable to consult a qualified medical professional before commencing Dru yoga. Importantly, if you have an injury or underlying health condition, speak to your Dru yoga instructor who will address these concerns and tailor the session to your individual requirements.
References
1. Dru Yoga. Dru Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Spirituality; 2024.
2. Dru Yoga. Dru Australasia; 2024.
3. The new Dru Studio. Dru UK, Dru Studio; 2024.
4. Eight reasons you'll love Dru Yoga. Dru (UK); 2013.
5. Dru Yoga. Dru Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Spirituality; 2024.
6. Home. Dru Australasia; 2024.
7. Yoga in the workplace can reduce back pain and sickness absence. The Conversation; 2017.
8. Della Valle E, Palermi S, Aloe I, Marcantonio R, Spera R, Montagnani S, Sirico F. Effectiveness of Workplace Yoga Interventions to Reduce Perceived Stress in Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology; 2020.
9. Della Valle E, Palermi S, Aloe I, Marcantonio R, Spera R, Montagnani S, Sirico F. Effectiveness of Workplace Yoga Interventions to Reduce Perceived Stress in Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology; 2020.
10. Dru Yoga & Meditation teacher training, courses, workshops, online classes & yoga videos, online courses, ayurveda, dance, relaxation. Dru Yoga and Meditation; [cited on 2024 Dec 5].
11. Timlin D, Simpson EE. A preliminary randomised control trial of the effects of Dru yoga on psychological well-being in Northern Irish first time mothers. Midwifery; 2017.
12. Waters H. Dru Yoga for Transforming Emotional Pain. Royal College of Psychiatrists; 2002.
13. What is Dru Yoga? Yogapedia; 2024.
14. Dru Yoga and its history in the West. Dru; 2005.
15. Dru Yoga. Dru Australasia; 2024.
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