The Winter Solstice is a time to reconnect with the planet and embrace the return of light. Let’s celebrate with a unique session of hammock floating yoga, reiki and sound healing.

Start with gentle breathing exercises and inversions, then move into peaceful meditation. Experience the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls during sound healing and receive the gentle touch of reiki.

This practice is suitable for all ages, aiming to release tension, balance the mind, and align the chakra energy centers. Light touch and pressure points on the head, hands, and feet may be included to enhance the experience.

What is floating yoga?

floating yoga is a transformative fusion of traditional yoga, pilates, aerial arts, and acrobatics. It incorporates a suspended hammock or yoga swing, enabling practitioners to perform unique poses not possible on a traditional yoga mat. This practice offers a variety of health, mental, and fitness benefits, making it accessible and appealing to many.

Health Benefits

1. Improved Blood Circulation
floating yoga enhances blood circulation, promoting energy and focus. The inversions help move stagnant blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and supporting overall heart health.

2. Stimulated Digestion
The stretches and movements of floating yoga assist the digestive system, alleviating issues like constipation and indigestion. Some practitioners even report relief from irritable bowel syndrome due to abdominal relaxation.

3. Spine Decompression
Hanging upside down decompresses the spine, realigning it and reducing strain. This alleviates back pain and eases tension in the hip joints, making it an excellent choice for those with spinal or back issues.

4. Detoxification
This form of yoga detoxifies the circulatory and lymphatic systems, aiding in the elimination of toxins. Regular practice can help alleviate bloating and restore the body to a healthier state.

5. Enhanced Balance
Exercising against gravity improves balance and stability, which is crucial for daily activities, especially as you age. It can reduce the risk of falls and improve recovery times.

6. Rejuvenation
The combined benefits to the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems combat the effects of aging, promoting overall vitality.

Mental Benefits

1. Enhanced Brain Function
Inversions increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, improving mental clarity, focus, memory, and neural connections. Regular practice helps maintain cognitive abilities over time.

2. Stress Reduction
The meditative aspects of floating yoga help combat stress and improve mood. Regular sessions promote emotional resilience and creativity while reducing anxiety and depression.

3. Insomnia Relief
By reducing muscle tension and encouraging the release of endorphins and serotonin, floating yoga supports better sleep patterns, leaving you energized by day and calm by night.

4. Improved Focus
Learning new floating yoga poses sharpens concentration and body awareness. This heightened focus extends to other areas of life, offering fresh perspectives and mindfulness.

5. Joyful Experience
The novelty and thrill of hanging upside down bring an element of fun and playfulness, making floating yoga an enjoyable activity for all ages.

Fitness Benefits

1. Development of New Skills
floating yoga expands your physical abilities, enabling you to perform challenging poses with ease thanks to the support of the hammock. This makes it more accessible for beginners and experienced yogis alike.

2. Strengthened Core Muscles
Balancing and stabilizing in floating yoga sessions work your core muscles intensively. This cross-training is beneficial for other sports, enhancing stamina and recovery.

3. Increased Flexibility
Suspension in the air allows for deeper stretches and improved flexibility, particularly in the spine and shoulders. It reduces tension and helps you achieve a greater range of motion.

4. Full-Body Workout
floating yoga engages every muscle in the body, simultaneously working the upper and lower body, joints, and ligaments. This comprehensive workout strengthens and tones muscles evenly across the body.

Floating yoga is a holistic practice offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their overall well-being. For more details and to start your journey, visit the Aerial Yoga Academy website.