Naked yoga, also known as “nagna yoga,” is a type of yoga practice that involves performing yoga postures and exercises while naked.
While it may seem unconventional to some, naked yoga has a long history and has been practiced by many people for a variety of reasons.
Benefits of Naked Yoga
One reason that people practice naked yoga is for the sense of freedom and liberation that it provides. When we shed our clothes, we also shed societal expectations and judgments, allowing us to fully connect with ourselves and our bodies.
Naked yoga can also help to increase body positivity and acceptance, as it allows us to embrace and appreciate our bodies as they are.
Another reason that people practice naked yoga is for the benefits it can have on the physical body.
Without clothes restricting movement, practitioners can more easily stretch and move into different postures, allowing for a deeper and more satisfying practice.
Naked yoga can also help to increase circulation and improve skin health, as the skin is able to breathe and receive more oxygen.
History of Naked Yoga
The history of naked yoga, or “nagna yoga,” can be traced back to ancient India, where it was believed to be a way to connect with the divine and cultivate inner peace. In Hinduism, the god Shiva is often depicted in a state of “nagna,” or nakedness, as a symbol of his detachment from the material world and his spiritual enlightenment.
Naked yoga has also been practiced in various forms throughout history in different cultures and regions. In ancient Greece, for example, the philosopher Diogenes is said to have practiced naked yoga as a way of rejecting material possessions and societal norms.
In modern times, naked yoga has gained popularity as a way to connect with the self and the body, as well as to promote body positivity and acceptance. It is often practiced in private studios or in designated naked yoga classes, which may be co-ed or single gender.
Downsides of Naked Yoga
It’s important to note that naked yoga is not for everyone and should only be practiced by those who feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
It’s also important to find a class or instructor who is trained and respectful, as well as to ensure that the space is private and safe.
For those interested in giving naked yoga a try, it’s important to remember to be respectful of oneself and others, and to set boundaries and establish consent.
Naked yoga can be a powerful and transformative practice, but it’s important to ensure that it is practiced in a safe and respectful environment.
Final Thoughts
Naked Yoga is not for everybody. But, for the right individual, and in a healthy setting, it may offer a new and healthy twist on one’s yoga practice.