Dru Yoga in Middlesbrough and Stockton – Where to practice

What is Dru Yoga?

Often described as Yoga with a Tai Chi feel

Dru Yoga is a gentle yet powerful form of Yoga. Dru stems from the Sanskrit word Druva, which means both stillness and Northen Star. The northern star maintains its stillness while everything else moves around it. By practising Dru Yoga, we can learn to have a still, balanced, and focused mind. The practice is based on soft flowing movements combined with static poses. With directed breathing, we can learn to still the mind. This improves our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Originating in ancient India, Dru Yoga is a very accessible and adaptable practice. Beneficial for all ages and abilities – especially beginners and those looking to progress in their practice.

Connecting with Nature and getting back to our roots

Dru Yoga helps us get back to our natural selves, focusing on connecting us back with nature and our roots. With sequences dedicated to the Earth, Sun and Trees, we can connect back with nature. These practices help us return to our natural selves. We cultivate a sense of peace and harmony within our bodies and minds. There is a focus on connecting breath with movements, which really helps us to still and calm the mind.

Energy Block Releases in Dru Yoga

Dru Yoga is renowned not only for its gentle, flowing movements but also for the powerful benefits it provides in releasing energy blocks within the body. These blocks can manifest as physical tension, emotional stress, or stagnation of energy, and addressing them is an essential aspect of healing and well-being.

Understanding Energy Blocks

Energy blocks occur when the natural flow of life force energy, or “prana,” is obstructed. This may be due to a variety of factors, including stress, trauma, and negative emotions. When energy is blocked, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and a feeling of disconnect from one’s body and mind.

The Role of Dru Yoga

Dru Yoga utilises a holistic approach to help release these energy blocks through:

1. Gentle Movements

The flowing sequences and postures used in Dru Yoga encourage the body to move easily and naturally. These movements help to stimulate circulation, loosen tight muscles, and facilitate the flow of energy throughout the body.

2. Breath Work

Incorporating conscious breathing techniques enhances the practice. By focusing on breath, practitioners can unlock tension and emotions stored in the body, leading to deeper relaxation and clarity.

3. Meditation and Visualisation

Dru Yoga often includes elements of meditation and visualiSation, which are pivotal in addressing emotional energy blocks. VisualiSation techniques can guide participants to identify and release negative emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.

4. Alignment and Body Awareness

The emphasis on proper alignment in Dru Yoga promotes a greater awareness of the body’s sensations and signals. This practice cultivates a mindful relationship with one’s body, helping to identify areas of tension that require release.

5. Community Support

Participating in Dru Yoga classes offers a sense of community and support. Sharing the journey with others can encourage emotional release and provide a safe space to connect and heal together.

Studying Dru Yoga – Aimee’s perspective.

I came across Dru a while a go, practising online. I found it so easy to get into a relaxed, meditative state through the practice. Also, I loved how accessible it is. There is the ability to learn postures and poses more deeply and offer progression to become a more advanced practitioner. It really focuses on, what is to me, the true essence of Yoga. Having a flexible, strong body for a still, calm mind.

There is a lot of power in being gentle. Learning to move in soft, rhythmic patterns can be challenging. However, it is really rewarding to master these almost dance-like movements. They focus on improving flexibility, balance, and strength.

I’m excited to share my journey of teaching Dru Yoga. I have been a qualified teacher and teaching for 5 years, so developing in this modality to teach Dru in 2025 is exciting. I am learning for my own development in my practice. I’m also excited about bringing this knowledge to my students. The benefits of Dru Yoga are extensive, and I can’t wait to pass on these valuable teachings to others. It’s a fulfilling experience that I can’t wait to bring to my classes.

Aimee – Teacher and Managing Director of AMALAwellness CIC

Where to practice?

Aimee offers classes in Linthorpe, Norton and Nunthorpe – teaching elements from Dru Yoga and Hatha Yoga. Aimee blends her learning with her qualifications and experience. She specialises in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Gentle Yoga, and Chair Yoga and Exercise. This allows her to offer affordable, accessible classes across Teesside.

Monday Mornings – 9:15-10:15am, Holy Name of Mary Church Hall, Linthorpe.
Wednesday Evenings – 5:45-6:45pm, Holy Name of Mary Church Hall, Linthorpe.
Friday Mornings – 9:30am-11:00am, St Mary’s Church Hall, Nunthorpe.
Sunday Evenings – 5:30-6:30pm, The Glebe Community Centre, Norton.

Dru can also be adapted to Chair Yoga sessions! Wonderful for our Chair Yogi’s.

Timetable: www.amalateesside.com/timetable