Dru Yoga and the Ayurvedic approach to health
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Dru Yoga
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Dru Yoga
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Chandra Goswami introduces you to Ayurveda's cellular health - literally, from the inside out! Dru Yoga - Muladhara Chakra: the base centre
Dru Yoga - Muladhara Chakra: the base centre
sThe Muladhara chakra is our foundation chakra. We often go through our ‘yogic’ life, do our yoga and our meditation, but without conscious effort and directed intention, so our chakras and their imbalances can remain largely unchanged. It is also said to be a centre of rhythm - so things like walking and drumming are said to be very good to establishing balance and regulation in this centre.
Dru Yoga - Swadisthana chakra: sacral chakra
Dru Yoga - Swadisthana chakra: base chakra
The seven chakras of the human body
The 7 chakras are the energy centres in our body through which energy flows. The word 'chakra' is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning 'wheel'. Literally translated from the Hindi it means 'Wheel of spinning energy'. A chakra is like a whirling, vortex-like, powerhouse of energy.
Dru Yoga - Natarajasana: the Lord of the Dance
Dru Yoga - Natarajasana: the Lord of the Dance
Natarajasana or the ‘lord of the dance’ is an ancient posture which is indicative of a place of perfect poise and balance.
It is a graceful and elegant posture which helps us to connect to those qualities within us.While at a deeper level, this posture connects us to the energy of Shiva. Shiva, in ancient Hindu mythology, relates to the qualities of letting go – of completion and fulfilment.
Dru Yoga - Sharva Udarakarshanasana: the maltese cross
Dru Yoga - Sharva Udarakarshanasana: the maltese cross
This posture takes the simple lying twist a step further. It opens and stretches out the chest and pectoral muscles, gives a great twist to the spine. It strengthens the core muscles and frees up the lower back. It also stretches out the gluteal muscles and this helps ease hip and back pain. Not only that, but this posture also aids digestion and helps trim the waist line!
Dru Yoga - Adhomukha Svanasana: the dog
The Adho Mukha Svanasana, the downward facing dog, is a great posture for helping you to settle into the present moment.
This posture stretches out the hamstrings and gastocnemius (calf muscles) and latissimus dorsi in the back. It improves circulation to the head and brain which helps us feel refreshed and invigorated. This posture helps us let go of the past and brings us totally into the present moment. On an energetic level, you may be aware of energy flowing from the base of the spine, mooladhara chakra, and up though all the chakras to the crown.
Dru Yoga - The seat of compassion
Dru Yoga - The seat of compassion
Dru Yoga is often recognised as one of the most powerful forms of yoga to open up the heart centre in a gentle and flowing way. When you consciously open the heart many beautiful qualities become available to you including compassion, generosity, kindness, loyalty and gratitude. For this reason, the Seat of Compassion is a very important posture within Dru Yoga and it holds the key to one of our most important principles: the opening of the heart centre or Anahata chakra.
Dru Yoga - Paschimottanasana: the sitting forward bend
Dru Yoga - Paschimottanasana: the sitting forward bend
The sitting forward bend, is great for releasing back tension as it stretches the hamstrings and lower back muscles. It also stimulates the digestive and reproductive systems by massaging the abdominal area. It activates the kidneys, liver, pancreas and adrenal glands and it can help improve diabetes.
Dru Yoga - Vyaghrasana: the tiger
Dru Yoga - Vyaghrasana: the tiger
Vyaghrasana is especially beneficial for those people who sit a lot as it strengthens the lower back, abdominal and gluteus maximus and medius muscles, which are all important for good posture.
It is also good for women after childbirth as it tones the female reproductive organs. On the mental and emotional level it brings a stronger sense of willpower and determination and the ability to be more flexible in facing life’s challenges is nurtured. On the energetic level your awareness is drawn first to Swadhistana chakra, rising to Manipura (around the level of the naval), Vishuddhi (at the throat) and Ajna (between the brows.
Dru Yoga - Utthita Parsvakonasana: the Bhima posture
Dru Yoga - Utthita Parsvakonasana: the Bhima posture
The Bhima is a great side stretch, as well as an excellent toner for the quads, glutes and abdominals.
This posture is an extension of the lateral triangle: Utthita Trikonasana and it gives you a long side stretch, opening the intercostal muscles, the lungs and therefore the heart. It provides a much needed alignment between the crown of the head and the lower energy centres.
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