There’s a pretty good chance that you’ve tried yoga at least once. But have you ever tried nude yoga?
The practice of nude yoga, a form of tantric yoga that’s performed naked, is gaining popularity throughout Western society. While it has been around since the sixties, its popularity has steadily increased recently. A growing number of group classes have cropped up in cities, including Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Salt Lake City. Depending upon the particular studio, some classes that are offered are male-only, while others are co-ed and include all ages, gender, and sexual orientations.
Nude yoga is said to create greater freedom of movement without the restriction of clothing, an overall feeling of liberation, and an increased acceptance of a person’s own body. Through intense meditation and concentration, nude yoga aims to minimize any securities or fears a person may have by having him or her face those fears in a safe and supportive community. Those who practice nude yoga also say that it helps to release toxins in the body, providing an outlet that purifies one’s body and soul.
People who practice this form of yoga say the nudity aspect deepens the spiritual practice while also building a close, nonsexual, community. In studios that provide naked yoga, people come together to connect spiritually, mentally, and physically in the absence of sexual tension. However, some critics of nude yoga have questioned its aim, saying that the quality of yoga is “diminished by the heightened sensuality.” They believe that yoga and nudity are beneficial each on their own, but together it discredits yoga’s main intention: the ability to cultivate mindfulness and peace.
If you’re curious about naked yoga, but aren’t ready to venture into a nude yoga studio, you can try out naked yoga DVDs in the privacy of your home.
