Dru Yoga

Dru yoga stands out as a uniquely accessible style that weaves together postures, breathwork, relaxation and meditation into flowing sequences designed to release blocked energy. What makes this practice distinctive is its signature approach called Energy Block Release—carefully crafted sequences that help dissolve physical and emotional tension stored throughout the body.

What doe Dru Yoga Mean?

The word "Dru" comes from an ancient Hindu tradition. It refers to Dhruva, a devoted prince from Hindu mythology whom the god Vishnu blessed with an eternal place amongst the stars as the Pole Star. This celestial connection isn't coincidental—in Sanskrit, "Dru" translates directly to "pole star," symbolising our own capacity to find an unshakeable centre of calm amidst life's constant motion.

This concept of the "inner still-point" forms the philosophical heart of Dru practice. Just as the Pole Star remains fixed whilst other stars wheel around it, Dru yoga helps practitioners discover their own point of inner stability that remains constant through changing circumstances.

Origins: East Meets West

Dru yoga emerged in 1978 from an inspiring collaboration between five visionaries: Mansukh Patel, Chris Barrington, Rita Goswami, Annie Jones, and John Jones. Their work began at Bangor University in North Wales, where they sought to create a more accessible form of yoga that could benefit people regardless of their physical abilities or spiritual background.

What to expect in a Dru Yoga Class?

Dru yoga unfolds as a flowing style that prioritises spinal movement, joint mobility, and the smooth circulation of energy throughout the body. If you've experienced other movement practices, you might notice influences from Tai Chi and Qigong woven into the sequences—a reflection of Dru's inclusive approach to healing modalities.

Classes typically begin with gentle activations—simple movements designed to awaken your body's natural energy flows and prepare you for deeper work. You'll then move through the signature Energy Block Release sequences, each designed to target specific areas where tension commonly accumulates. These might focus on releasing shoulder and neck tension from desk work, opening the heart centre to counter emotional stress, or mobilising the lower back and hips.

Who is Dru Yoga for?

One of Dru yoga's greatest strengths lies in its fundamental accessibility. The practice welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds without requiring any previous yoga experience or exceptional flexibility. The flowing movements can be adapted to accommodate physical limitations, making it an excellent choice for those recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply seeking a gentler approach to movement and wellbeing.