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 it can be a sign of illness when it becomes excessive and negatively affects one’s ability to function. 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.
Additionally, acroyoga communities are designed to be welcoming to all individuals at any level of experience. With a patient, non-judgmental environment and with spotters available to help achieve even the most complex poses, this boosts confidence and reduces anxiety. For those who struggle with social anxiety, the safe and structured environment of an acroyoga class can serve as a form of exposure therapy. The repeated practice of rotating partners helps desensitize individuals to social fears and builds their confidence in interacting with others.
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.
The importance of consent is often emphasized during acroyoga trainings, reinforcing a person’s right to express their limits and decline to attempt any pose. The word “down” is used to instantly end any acroyoga attempt the moment someone feels unsafe, with no questions asked. This helps individuals learn safe and healthy physical boundaries, while restoring a traumatized individual’s faith in humanity when boundaries are readily respected immediately. For example, women who have experienced sexual trauma can gradually begin to trust men again within the consent-sensitive acroyoga culture.
Acroyoga also teaches trust because variations of trust falls are common, yet a flyer is kept safe by a base and spotter(s). For those with a history of trauma, the necessity of trusting others to hold and support them through poses can be profoundly therapeutic. At the end of a challenging acroyoga flow, bases and spotters can sometimes be heard stating, “thank you for your trust” while flyers may respond, “thank you for keeping me safe”.
As the practice of acroyoga encourages participants to focus on the present moment, this distracts from PTSD-related hypervigilance and flashbacks. Finally, 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, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with verbal communication. The deep focus required in acroyoga helps improve concentration and can serve as a form of sensory integration. The multisensory nature of acroyoga — combining sight, auditory communication, tactile feedback, and movement — encourages the brain to better integrate proprioceptive input with other sensory information. This integration helps those on the spectrum who may have difficulty processing sensory information effectively.
Proprioception refers to the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space, which can be challenging for many on the autism spectrum. Acroyoga enhances proprioception by engaging participants in poses and movements that require acute body awareness and balance. The physical touch and feedback from a partner help individuals understand their body’s position, improving coordination and spatial awareness. Repeated practice of these movements strengthens proprioceptive abilities, making individuals more comfortable with their bodies in space and reducing anxiety related to physical activities.
Moreover, the practice’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.
