AcroYoga : A New Form of Yoga

by Sam Malone


AcroYoga is the combination of Yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage. This combination of Yoga and acrobatics is not only athletic but also aesthetic. In this different form of activity, in addition to an intense workout, the benefits of three ancient disciplines are also incorporated.

In terms of movements and style, AcroYoga resembles gymnastics. In AcroYoga, one partner acts as a base whereas the other performs asanas actively with the support of the base partner. It benefits both the partners immensely. It enhances the feeling of trust and builds a deep connection between the partners, besides building stronger bodies. The person who acts as a base can build up his strength while another person can increase his body’s flexibility, and vice versa. Since partners can interchange their positions, this form of yoga provides flexibility and strength to both partners.

Introduction

The concept of AcroYoga first came about in 2003 in San Francisco. The trust and strength building movements of acrobatics is combined with the essence of Thai massage and yoga asanas. The essence of AcroYoga based on the concept of being in the moment and in balance with another person.

Dristi (gaze), bandhas (internal locks), vinyasa flow (synchronized movement with breath), and ujjayi breath (ocean breath) are some of the important practices of acroyoga.

The basic exercises of AcroYoga involve three functions, namely, the base, the flyer and the spotter. The person who positioned with his/her back on the ground is the base and acts as a base. The function of the base is to be the foundation, and it is essential to have strong limbs in order to provide support to the flyer. A flyer has to move into various positions. It involves balancing and core strength. In order to perform, the flyer must be confident enough to move above the ground and trust the base. A spotter is a guide who ensures the safe landing of flyer after a position and helps to improve their movements.

Usually, an acroyoga session starts with an opening circle that enables the participants to breath and move together. Then, there are warm up sessions involving a sequence of yoga poses. Next, is the partner session that includes stretches. It requires two people who trust each other and share a connection. The next step is inversion. These are poses in which the individual is upside down. In this session, partners provide support to each other to perform challenging poses. The session is completed with a Thai massage that stimulates the energy balance. Some of the poses of acroyoga include the following:

  • Balasana (Child Pose)
  • Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
  • Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

This kind of yoga is demanding as it requires confidence and trust with headstands.

Benefits of AcroYoga

The practice of AcroYoga can mold the overall personality of the participant by improving mental, physical and spiritual aspects. Its athleticism, discipline, and concentration improve one’s personality, confidence, trust, and kindness. It also helps to lose weight and the Thai massage makes the skin glow. Benefits of acroyoga include the following:

  • Acroyoga enhances concentration, and this helps to ease mind from worries and relieve stress, leading to a more peaceful life.
  • This trio combination results in a stronger immune system and improves the overall quality of life. It makes for a happy, satisfied and content life.
  • It helps ease various chronic health conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain, etc.
  • It improves digestion, boosts elimination of toxins, and improves blood circulation, thereby building stamina. It improves memory and capacity to recall as well.
  • Acroyoga poses emphasize proper body alignment, relieve gas and constipation and help build an appetite.
Overall, acroyoga promotes mental and physical health and a positive attitude towards life.

References:

  1. http://www.acroyoga.org/about/the-acroyoga-practice
  2. http://zenfriend.org/what-is-acroyoga-an-inspiring-dual-mind-body-experience
  3. http://stek.org/health-fitness/acroyoga-is-a-new-form-of-yoga

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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