Dru Yoga is a gentle yet powerful form of yoga that focuses on flowing movements, breath and deep relaxation. Born from a blend of ancient yogic traditions and modern therapeutic insights, Dru Yoga is the kind of practice that asks, “What if yoga was less about pretzel shapes and more about emotional healing and energy flow?”
Where Did Dru Yoga Come From?
Dru Yoga was developed in the 1970s by a group of yoga enthusiasts and scholars, including Mansukh Patel, Chris Barrington, Annie Jones and Rita Goswami, who were inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, yoga philosophy, and the power of movement to transform inner states. The name “Dru” refers to the North Star – Dhruva in Sanskrit – symbolizing inner stillness and unwavering focus, even when life gets chaotic (which, let’s be honest, is often).
Rooted in classical Hatha Yoga, Dru also draws from Bhakti (devotional), Karma (action), and Raja (mental discipline) yoga traditions. Think of it as the yoga equivalent of a smoothie made from ancient practices, with a twist of 70s idealism and a dollop of heart-centred science.
How Is Dru Yoga Different From Other Types of Yoga?
1. It’s Flow-Based
Dru has flowing sequences, called Energy Block Releases, which are more about energy alignment and emotional healing than fast-paced fitness, which may be found in a gym. Many of the asanas (postures) are also flow based. For example, the popular tree (Vrksasana) is a flowing heart centred movement, rather than a static pose.
2. Less Gym, More Inner Journey
Whilst Dru Yoga has the physical benefits of toning muscles, releasing fascia and increasing flexibility the focus is on emotional release and soothing the nervous system. It’s used frequently in therapeutic settings for stress, back pain and emotional burnout.
3. Heart-Centered and Emotionally Aware
Dru Yoga isn’t just about how your body moves, but how your heart feels. It integrates the chakra system, with an emphasis on the Anahata or heart chakra. It also integrates affirmations and visualisations to shift your emotional and energetic state.
4. Everyone Can Do It
Dru Yoga is designed to be accessible regardless of age or fitness level. You can do it in a chair, standing, or on the mat. There’s no gatekeeping around flexibility, age, or experience.
5. A Deeper Level
All forms of yoga have their roots in a very deep history, with a varied and rich philosophy. Dru draws from these traditions with the focus on the 5 energy layers or Koshas which make up the human being, but that’s a whole other article! Without even knowing it a Dru class will shift your consciousness toward these energetic ‘sheaths’.
If you’re open to the idea that movement can shift mood and mindset energetically, Dru has a lot to offer.
Why Try Dru Yoga?
If gentler, slower, more introspective practice appeals to you then this may be the yoga practice you’re looking for. Dru, can however, be practiced more dynamically, it all depends on the teacher and the space. Dru is a very adaptive yoga practice.
Furthermore or if you’re recovering from injury, managing stress, or just tired of competitive yoga—Dru could be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.
Final Thought
Dru Yoga often takes people by surprise when they take their first class. What seems like a gentle and soothing class will stretch and work your muscles leaving you feeling a little stiff the next day. We so often underestimate the power of subtle movement to have momentous effects. In a sometimes brash and noisy world Dru offers a welcome panacea.
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