About Svaroopa Yoga
Svaroopa is pronounced S-V-A-ROOOOPA or S-W-A-ROOOOPA.
‘Sva’ means “True Self” and ‘roopa’ means “form”.
Svaroopa means, the form of your true Self.
Most yoga classes, no matter what style, create stretch and movement in the body in some way. Depending on how the positions (called asanas in Sanskrit, or poses in English) are taught - and how you hold each pose, it is very easy to unintentionally create more tension in the muscles that attach to your spine, even while getting stretch and movement. Most people have very deeply held tension in these core muscles already. Often, these areas are so tight that they become numb and you don't feel them. In addition, tight muscles are weak, and much more prone to injury.
Svaroopa yoga is about creating lasting release
that affects all levels of your being.
Svaroopa Yoga is a unique style of yoga that has as its focus, releasing the tension in the core muscles of your spine, beginning at the base, your tailbone.
Tight muscles need a little time to let go - this concept is familiar to most people who have gone to any type of exercise class – the stretching portion of an exercise class is comprised of ‘holds’ in different positions, giving the muscles time to let go. In a similar way, the most reliable spinal release poses in Svaroopa yoga are precisely aligned positions, held for a period of time, which allows the core spinal muscles the time they need to let go.
In Svaroopa yoga, alignment and propping are
keys
to reliable spinal release.
Since most people don’t feel their spinal muscles, at least at the beginning, to ensure the positions are reaching into those muscles, the precision of the alignments is critical. Many of the most reliable spinal release poses are done either lying down, or seated. The unfortunate reality is that many people tighten their spines to stand or move. Because the focus of Svaroopa is to release that tension reliably, there is an emphasis on positions that allow the body to let go the most.
To further allow each body to let go and soften into the angles, Svaroopa yoga relies on different props, including blankets and chairs. Without support, muscles often contract and hold tension, even if you’re not aware of it. Some styles of yoga and other exercise emphasize tightening muscles to hold an alignment. In Svaroopa, props are used to compassionately support your body so the muscles can let go. Providing support allows your body to release and relax, which facilitates release of the deepest-held tensions in your body.
Svaroopa fits all bodies and conditions
The use of props also serves another important purpose ~ the props make it simple to tailor poses to fit the unique needs of each body. This enables Svaroopa to be an appropriate style for everyone – no matter your size, physical condition, or age. Svaroopa yoga is completely customizable and very user-friendly!
Breathing practice helps too
In addition to teaching asanas, the basic Svaroopa practice also includes a breathing practice that helps stimulate and balance your immune system, increase vitality, improve mental clarity, and boost your health and mood. Read more about the breathing practice.
Releasing this tension along the spine has profound, even incredible effects on the whole rest of your body, mind, and more. For more information about specific benefits of Svaroopa yoga, click on a link below
Learn about the 'more' that yoga offers