Dru Yoga’s Approach to Therapeutic Posture Work

Dru Yoga’s approach to therapeutic posture work is all about addressing imbalances in the body, mind, and energy systems. It’s a holistic practice that helps people understand how their body moves, how they can realign it, and how Dru Yoga can be applied to cater to individual needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Individualised Programmes

Dru Yoga recognises that each person is unique, so there isn’t a set formula for each condition. Instead, the aim is to create specific programmes for individual students, taking into account what’s happening with their body, mind, and energy. It’s all about finding a personalised approach that addresses specific issues with the organ systems and general well-being.

Understanding the Body

The therapeutic approach in Dru Yoga includes understanding the musculoskeletal system, common disorders, and how the body works when it’s in balance. Understanding this “normal” balance is essential before working on specific disorders.

  • Human Movement and Alignment: Dru Yoga focuses on how the body moves and aligns. It’s not just about realigning the physical body; it’s also about realigning deeper parts of one’s nature, bringing balance to thoughts and feelings as well.
  • Core Stability: Core stability is essential for maintaining proper body alignment. The deep postural muscles hold and support posture in an optimal position. When practised correctly, yoga naturally strengthens these muscles.
  • Muscle Strength and Flexibility: Dru Yoga values both muscle strength and flexibility. The practice works on improving these aspects to bring greater balance and health to the body.

Energy Block Release (EBR) Sequences

A core part of Dru Yoga, EBR sequences are designed to dissolve physical, energetic, emotional, and mental blockages. These sequences are easy to perform but highly effective, with a potent impact on health at every level. They work by reversing energy blockages starting in the spine and joints, moving deeper into muscles and internal organs.

Therapeutic Application of Postures (Asanas)

Dru Yoga uses classical yoga asanas, focusing on explaining the correct practice and understanding the benefits, including how they affect the subtle bodies.

  • Specific Effects and Outcomes: Each sequence and posture has specific effects that help individuals connect with the rhythm and flow of life.
  • Modifications: Postures are modified to suit different abilities and conditions. Dru Yoga teachers always consider contraindications and adjust as needed.
  • Preparation: Proper preparation is essential to make postures easier to perform and more effective.
  • Awareness: Students are encouraged to observe how each posture affects them physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Breathwork and Energy Flow

Breathing is a key element in Dru Yoga, as it helps control the flow of energy in the body.

  • Pranayama: Through pranayama, Dru Yoga helps release more life force, improving energy flow in the body.
  • Energy Principles: Dru Yoga is based on key principles, including understanding how energy blocks form in the spine and joints. The idea is that energy is blocked when joints are locked, all movements originate from the spine, and every posture is part of a sequence.

Deep Relaxation

Deep relaxation is an important part of every Dru Yoga session. It allows the energy stirred up during the practice to settle, helping to create internal balance. Relaxation is also a powerful tool for healing and transforming negative thoughts and emotions into more positive patterns.

Other Components

  • Mudras: Mudras are energetic seals that affect the body’s subtle energy systems. They help balance emotions, hormones, and the flow of energy in the body.
  • Concentration and Meditation: Concentration exercises help sharpen the mind, improve observation, and lead to stillness through meditation.

Addressing Specific Conditions

Dru Yoga also recognises the importance of working with students who have specific conditions. For example:

  • Osteoarthritis: A programme would include daily practice of EBR sequences and asanas, with modifications as necessary. Postures that improve posture and strengthen postural muscles are key. Relaxation helps reduce muscle tension and provides pain relief.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: A slow, mindful approach is essential. Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and modify postures to avoid strain on affected joints. Adequate time for rest between postures is also important, especially if fatigue is present.
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: The key focus here is to improve spinal mobility, and EBR sequences are recommended to take the spine through its full range of movement.
  • Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Slow, mindful movements with an emphasis on strengthening core stability muscles are beneficial. Guided relaxation is also highly recommended.
  • Osteoporosis: A programme for osteoporosis should combine weight-bearing, mobilising, and aerobic exercises, while avoiding postures that strain the neck, wrists, or spine.

Language

Dru Yoga teachers are encouraged to use language that highlights a person’s abilities rather than their limitations. This helps create a sense of confidence and ensures that students feel safe and empowered to move.

Importance of Home Practice

Regular home practice is strongly recommended to support healing and manage specific conditions. Home practice helps to maintain the benefits of Dru Yoga and deepen the healing process.

In summary, Dru Yoga’s therapeutic posture work is a holistic approach that integrates physical postures, breath control, relaxation, and energetic principles. It aims to address the individual needs of students, promoting overall well-being. By focusing on self-awareness, core stability, and modifying practices as needed, Dru Yoga offers a therapeutic tool for both general health and the management of specific conditions.