Have you ever heard of Alien Yoga and Snake Yoga? These are two yogic practices that aim for complete well-being of body and mind, born on the other side of the world and which are becoming increasingly widespread in Italy too. Here’s what they are and what benefits they can bring to our lives.
Simon Borg-Olivier, director of the Yoga Synergy center in Sydney in Australiahad the opportunity to talk about the practice in a recent interview with The Age newspaper, where he said: “Nauli is something that true yoga practitioners tend to keep to themselves, and that new, less experienced teachers often they don’t learn because it’s very difficult to master.” But what makes this type of yoga more complex than others? For experts, his difficulties lie in his particular breathing technique.
In any case, those who manage to practice alien yoga in the correct way are able to guarantee themselves a series of benefits of no small importance: in fact, it is said that they have the ability to purify the internal organs e tone the abdominal area.
And what about the very particular name that was assigned to him instead? The “alien” visual effect is achieved by “emptying the lungs, retracting the abdomen below the rib cage, and isolating and contracting the central, left, and right abdominal muscles.”
There has been a heated debate regarding the practice for some time: as Yoga Syngergy points out, there are those who think that it is “a prerogative of thin women and men who use Instagram as a platform to show off their abdomens”. Furthermore, according to Borg-Olivier, “some important prerequisites must be met to be able to practice it, and most people who demonstrate this have often learned it naturally and are unable to describe an effective method for teaching it”. To get the most of the benefits, consequently, it is essential to be followed by a expert during a dedicated course, in a special center or in a gym.
Speaking of the aforementioned prerequisites, for the rest, it is necessary to know that you must be able to use the diaphragmatic breathingisolate the rectus abdominis muscle and empty the lungs completely, holding the breath for one or two minutes. Be careful though: in a similar situation, if not supported in the correct way, there is always the risk of experiencing episodes of hyperventilation. Borg-Oliver, in addition, underlines that “incorrect breathing could generate negative pressure variations in the body, with potentially harmful effects on blood vessels and the brain”.
No, we are not talking about the classic cobra position, but rather a practice that could leave even the most squeamish a little confused. This is an idea born at LxrYogaa Costa Mesa studio in California in the United States, which aims to help people “overcome their fear of snakes through breathing”.
The center’s founders, Tess and Huy, bring their pet ball pythons to 45-minute yoga classes (which cost $160, not exactly for everyone) during which the snakes are “consciously integrated into a gentle yoga session “. While the participants perform the positions (such as Savasana) and follow the instructions of the masters, the reptiles are free to move and slide on their bodies.
According to the founders of the practice, it should be a relaxing solution capable of putting your body back in contact with nature. As reported by the New York Post, it seems that those who have tried snake yoga, although scared at first, have come away enthusiastic and regenerated from these lessons. In any case, it is difficult to think that it could make a splash in Italy too, considering that yoga with puppies (or puppy yoga) was recently banned in Italy.
**Considering the potential benefits and risks of alien yoga, what measures can be implemented to ensure its responsible practice and wider inclusivity?**
## The Allure and Controversy of Alien Yoga
Alien yoga, also known as nauli, is gaining popularity across the globe, including in Italy. This ancient practice, originating in India, focuses on achieving complete well-being by utilizing a unique and challenging breathing technique. While lauded for its potential benefits, alien yoga has also sparked debate regarding its accessibility and potential for misuse.
**A Glimpse into Alien Yoga’s Technique:**
Simon Borg-Olivier, director of the Yoga Synergy center in Sydney, Australia, describes nauli as an advanced practice often only taught to experienced yogis. Its complexity lies in the specific breathing technique required. By emptying the lungs, retracting the abdomen below the rib cage, and isolating and contracting specific abdominal muscles, practitioners achieve the distinctive “alien” visual effect that gives the practice its name.
**Benefits and Drawbacks:**
Proponents of alien yoga claim it offers significant benefits, including the purification of internal organs and toning of the abdominal region. However, the practice has also drawn criticism. Some argue that it is primarily practiced by thin individuals who use it as a means of showcasing their physiques on social media.
Borg-Olivier emphasizes the need for proper instruction, stating that many who demonstrate nauli have learned it intuitively and struggle to teach it effectively. This raises concerns about the potential for injury when practiced without expert guidance.
**Importance of Qualified Instruction:**
To experience the full benefits of alien yoga safely and effectively, seeking instruction from a qualified expert is crucial. Yoga centres and specialized gyms offer dedicated courses led by experienced instructors who can provide proper guidance and address individual needs.
**Future Directions:**
As alien yoga continues to gain recognition, it is essential to address the surrounding concerns.
Promoting responsible practices, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring widespread access to qualified instruction will be crucial for the healthy evolution of this unique and potentially transformative yogic tradition.
**Further Exploration:**
This article presents a preliminary overview of alien yoga. To delve deeper into the practice, consider researching its ancient origins, exploring different schools of thought within yogic traditions, and understanding the anatomical and physiological effects of nauli.
Remember, while the “alien” aspect of this practice may intrigue, prioritizing safety, proper instruction, and individual well-being should always remain paramount.
