Acroyoga for Psychological Healing
Traditional therapy, while effective, can be enhanced by supplementing with physical activities that promote mental and physical wellness. Acroyoga is one such activity, combining the mindfulness of yoga, the strength of acrobatics, and therapeutic healing within a supportive environment.
In acroyoga, a “base” supports a “flyer” in acrobatic positions, with a “spotter” ensuring safety. This trio works together in an intricate dance of balance, trust, and communication, fostering healthy human connection. Not only does acroyoga improve strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, and focus, it also promotes a sense of emotional engagement in a trustworthy community that respects one another and keeps each other safe. As a result, acroyoga can be beneficial for treating various mental health conditions.
Depression
Depression often involves isolation, low energy, and lack of motivation. Acroyoga helps counter these symptoms by releasing endorphins through physical exercise, alleviating lethargy and low mood. Further, unlike the solitary nature of traditional yoga, acroyoga is inherently social, with participants encouraged to rotate partners and interact with multiple people. The partner work in acroyoga fosters connection and belonging, combating the sense of isolation that many people with depression experience. Regular practice also instills a sense of achievement as individuals progress in their abilities, helping to break the cycle of negative thinking common in depression, instead building self-esteem and confidence.
Anxiety
Anxiety is generally normal, but can be a sign of illness when it becomes excessive and negatively affects functioning. Acroyoga helps manage anxiety by bringing participants into the present moment through mindful movement and breathwork. The focus required to balance and move in unison with a partner shifts attention away from anxious thoughts and onto the immediate task at hand. The rhythmic breathing and synchronized movements in acroyoga also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body’s fight-or-flight response and reducing anxiety.
Acroyoga communities welcome all experience levels, offering a supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental space with spotters to assist with complex poses. This helps boost confidence and reduce anxiety. For those with social anxiety, the structured environment acts as exposure therapy, as rotating partners helps reduce social fears and build confidence in social interactions.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are associated with distorted body image and a disconnection from one’s physical self. Acroyoga encourages appreciation for what the body can do, shifting focus from appearance to capability. As participants progress in their practice, they often begin to view their bodies as powerful and capable, rather than flawed or inadequate. The caring community in acroyoga provides encouragement and validation, offering a nurturing environment that contrasts with the toxic settings that often fuel eating disorders. Further, acroyoga partners can help reconnect individuals with their bodies in a positive way thanks to the oxytocin release of supportive physical touch.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD arises when a person is exposed to a traumatic event, leading to a complex combination of symptoms while the mind and body remain stuck on the trauma. Acroyoga can be particularly beneficial in this case by emphasizing safety, trust, and controlled physical interaction.
Acroyoga emphasizes the importance of consent, reinforcing the right to set boundaries and decline any pose. The word “down” is used to instantly end a pose if someone feels unsafe, no questions asked. This practice teaches healthy boundaries and helps restore trust, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma, like women learning to trust men again in this consent-sensitive environment with immediate respect for boundaries. Additionally, acroyoga builds trust as many exercises can be akin to trust falls, where a flyer is kept safe by a base and spotter. For those with a history of trauma, trusting others to physically support them can be profoundly healing. After challenging flows, it’s common to hear bases say, “thank you for your trust,” and flyers may respond, “thank you for keeping me safe.”
The practice of acroyoga encourages participants to focus on the present moment, which distracts from PTSD-related hypervigilance and flashbacks. The sense of accomplishment from successfully performing a move or sequence can also help individuals regain a sense of control and confidence that is often lost after trauma.
Autism Spectrum
For those on the autism spectrum, acroyoga can help develop social skills, improve communication, and increase body awareness. The practice’s structured nature and the clear roles of the base, flyer, and spotter can be comforting and provide a sense of predictability.
Acroyoga promotes nonverbal communication through touch and movement, benefiting individuals who struggle with verbal expression. The deep focus required enhances concentration and supports sensory integration by combining sight, auditory cues, tactile feedback, and movement. This multisensory approach helps the brain process proprioceptive input, which is especially useful for those on the autism spectrum who may have difficulty processing sensory information.
Proprioception, or awareness of the body’s position in space, can be challenging for many on the spectrum. Acroyoga enhances proprioception by engaging participants in poses that require body awareness and balance. Partner feedback through physical touch helps improve coordination and spatial awareness, while repeated practice strengthens these abilities, reducing anxiety and increasing comfort with the body’s position in space.
Acroyoga’s emphasis on partner work encourages joint attention and turn-taking, all of which are critical social skills. The supportive and non-judgmental environment of an acroyoga class can help individuals on the autism spectrum build confidence in social situations. Frequently rotating partners not only enhances the sense of community, but also helps participants develop flexibility in working with different personalities and body types, which is particularly beneficial for building social confidence.
Conclusion
Acroyoga is a powerful tool for psychological healing, combining physical exercise, mindfulness, and community building. It serves as an effective complementary therapy for a variety of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and autism. The supportive acroyoga community fosters a sense of belonging, with connections that extend beyond the studio, leading to lasting friendships and a strong support network that counters isolation. By promoting trust, confidence, and connection, acroyoga helps individuals develop the resilience and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
