4 Styles of Yoga: Acroyoga, Nidra, Therapeutic or Aquatic

Hello everyone! It seems that every day there are more and more yoga schools and yoga styles to learn about. In one of my first posts, I talked about the most common styles (hatha, Ashtanga, kundalini, etc.), but today I would like to talk about some of the most innovative styles of yoga, which perhaps you may find difficult to find any classes of near where you live.

Four Yoga styles

1. Acroyoga: Acrobatic Yoga

It is becoming increasingly common to see people practising this fusion of traditional yoga, Thai massage and acrobatics. While it may seem very difficult, everyone can practice this style as they do not need any prior yoga or acrobatics training, just the urge to have fun. It is not necessary to go with a partner either, as you will find one in class, or ultimately your teacher. From the beginning, you will practice acrobatics to foster your concentration,
balance and confidence in people, so not only will you be performing yoga, but developing humanistic values such as friendship, trust, etc.

On top of all that, acroyoga aims to build on positions for Thai massage, as these positions help you relax and release stress in the body. This practice therefore takes advantage of the benefits of this ancient technique to harmonise and ensure optimal flow or stimulate all the energy of the body.  A similar style is aeroyoga, where asanas are performed on a swing made of fabric.

2. Yoga nidra: Sleepy yoga

Nidra classes may look more like meditation than yoga because it is a physically passive p
ractice which is practised lying down. The goal is to come into complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation, so you can discover your own potential, re-structure mind processes, identify blockages and free yourself from automatic thoughts. That is why, although you are relaxed while practising this style, you must stay aware and present.

3. Therapeutic yoga

If you are suffering from an injury or ailment/illness, this may be the most appropriate style for you. In these classes, teachers are responsible for focusing the practice in the most suitable way for you, according to your personal characteristics and based on the diagnosis and suggestions of your doctor: That is why they are usually done in individual classes or in small groups.

While the practice is inherently therapeutic, this type of yoga is based on a deep knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It gives special importance to body alignment in order to rebalance any physical mismatches: Although we are not aware of it, we all have abnormalities and asymmetries in the alignment of our bones or muscles that can result in many ailments.

4. Aquatic yoga

When performing the asanas in warm water, the possible risk of injuries that can occur in a normal class are reduced due to the fact that water greatly minimises the impact on joints and muscles, therefore also reducing the risk of muscular overload. In addition to gently strengthening the body, it increases flexibility and improves posture. Practising in water also promotes deep relaxation, improves sleep patterns and relieves anxiety and stress.

These are some of the techniques I have found, but there are many more so this article is, in no way, an exhaustive list. I hope that gradually you will be able to find the style that you like, or that one particular style moulds itself to your current state of being. As always, before practising any yoga style, remember to consult your doctor.

Have a good week!

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 03/10/2018

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