Dru yoga is popular internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Australia. Many students attribute better spine mobility, a sense of well-being and physical strength to their practice of Dru yoga. Helena Waters, M.D., proposes that it has powerful implications for psychiatry. "Dru yoga, through its gentle movements, allows us to access and release the blocked energy that leads to mental and emotional disorders." According to Natural Therapy Pages.com, the word "dru" is derived from the Sanskrit word "druva" that means "still" and "unchanging."
Yoga
Dru yoga has several components that make it different from other forms of hatha yoga. According to the Dru World Wide.com, its Energy Block Release Sequences (EBRs) are a combination of graceful flowing yoga sequences, pranayama, relaxation and Dru meditation. It also uses Dru points which are quiet moments between the flow of poses where a student should pause to absorb the benefits of their practice. Included in the practice of Dru yoga are poses, breathing, hand gestures, positive affirmations, visualizations and combinations of poses (sequences).
Dru yoga focuses on catering to all fitness levels and age groups through a gentle approach to yoga. Dru instructors teach students to keep softness in the joints at all times so energy can easily flow through the body without the hindrance of tight muscles. Dru yoga incorporates the chakra system and uses pose sequences that are designed to open the heart.
Dance
Dru dance blends faster-paced Dru yoga sequences together with funky and upbeat music to create a fusion of yoga and dance. The energetic combinations of poses work to create both strength and suppleness according to Dru World Wide.com. Dru dance is also supposed to diminish stress, increase alertness and improve concentration.
Sound
Dru sound encompasses the study of sound through vocals. Chanting, healing sounds, harmonizing and the "Dru sound freedom technique" are some of the elements of learning Dru sound. Students of Dru sound also learn how to master the projection of the voice whether speaking or singing. Dru World Wide.com encourages everyone, even those who do not believe they can sing, to attend Dru sound workshops and retreats.
Meditation
Dru meditation focuses on an easy approach to meditation through simple physical, mental and emotional exercises. It is supposed to make students feel calm, relaxed and happy. Some Dru meditation exercises include tensing then releasing muscles, visualizations or breathing techniques. The Dru yoga website endorses smaller segments of meditation, if necessary, even if they are only 10 minutes at a time. For mental health patients, Dr. Waters prescribes Dru techniques because they incorporate "relaxation, meditation and specific posture sequences for depression."
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