Dru Yoga cult following – but how is it different from other yoga styles?
Dru Yoga cult following – but how is it different from other yoga styles?
Dru means ‘still point’ which is what we experience at the heart of Dru Yoga and meditation. It works on both the body and the mind, rejuvenating the soul, balancing the chakras and building a heightened feeling of positivity and empowerment.
So, how is Dru different from other forms of yoga? We’ve identified seven keys which are essential to Dru, and may explain why Dru yoga has such a cult following worldwide.
1. Flow
When we do Dru yoga we aim to create a continuous flow of movement and breath. This creates a graceful yoga practice which moves in and out of asanas and energy block sequences, which at Dru we call EBRs. These unique sequences release tension and move the body in all directions. They incorporate flowing graceful movements which give Dru Yoga its unique character. We practise classical yoga postures with the emphasis on flow and the energy in the chakras, particularly the heart centre.
2. Breath
We direct the breath with awareness to specific parts of the body to energise the body and release tightness or pain. We aim to breathe using the vyana breath, where the lungs are emptied and filled from the base to the top.
3. Soft Joints.
We keep the joints softly bent for most of our yoga postures, which we find helps to keep them flexible yet strong during movement. In Dru Yoga classes, students find that the joints’ flexibility is improved, which is very helpful for people with arthritis and rheumatism.
4. Core Stability
Muscles have two main functions – to create stability and movement. If the balance between these functions is uneven, our muscles become tight or weak. Dru Yoga‘s emphasis on flowing movements in a wide variety of positions strengthen the postural muscles and gives the main movement muscles a full stretch. On the Dru yoga teacher training course, we train our teachers to teach safe yoga postures for people with back pain, using the principles of core stability.
5. Spinal Wave
We bring vitality to the spine by natural wave-like movements which occur naturally when we breathe or move correctly. Unlike other cult forms of exercise, in Dru Yoga we encourage these movements, as they encourage the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which keeps our spine healthy.
6. Spinal twist
In Dru Yoga, twisting movements start at the base of the spine, flowing upwards into the neck so the head moves last. This can free stress and increase the body’s energy flow. On Dru Yoga holidays and retreats in Snowdonia, we teach ways to maintain a healthy spine, which also ensures that the body’s suble energies flow freely.
7. Dru Points
Within the flow of movements, there are points of stillness in Dru Yoga where you feel great health and positivity. As you discover these in your practice, you will feel a greater silence and stillness. This calmness is highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and leads to effortless concentration and meditation – all in all, Dru is the new cult fitness style for everyone!