What is an Ayurvedic Yoga Rug?

Yoga, today is practiced on a sheet of rubber or plastic.  Modern yoga mats come in all shapes, sizes, thicknesses, colors, patterns. They have been invented to provide comfort and grip in every practice as a yogi moves from one posture to another. 

Traditionally,  Ashtanga Yoga practitioners had the preference to use the thin cotton cloth as their preferred surface of practice. The reason for this preference to use cotton cloth is due to traditions. The other reason is that natural fibers like cotton provide a good amount of grip especially when there is moisture.

Ashtanga yoga can be intense and yogis will sweat profusely during their practice. A modern yoga mat made of rubber / PVC will not be ideal as your hands and legs tend to slip when there is moisture.  On the other hand, a cotton cloth based rug will provide more grip.

When do I choose a Yoga Rug?

So the choice is simple, if you are into a strenuous form of yoga or into hot yoga or even have sweaty palms and legs, a yoga rug made from natural fibers is the best bet.  The more you sweat, the grippier it gets.

Do these Yoga Rugs have a grip and how do you typically use them?

These rugs are woven with natural fibers and do not have any adhesive additives to make them non-skid. What we have observed, is the way practitioners use these rugs. Regular rubber /PVC mat becomes a bit challenging after a few minutes of warmup, especially in humid conditions.  As soon as there is moisture, the yoga rug comes to the rescue, the seasoned practitioners will then layout these rugs on top of their regular yoga mats to get that extra grip.

 Any other reason for using a Yoga Rug?

The other reason why traditional yogis prefer cotton rugs is for spiritual considerations. Yogis wanting to be in harmony with the energies of something natural, rather than a synthetic and polluting yoga mat.

Just like our ayurvedic yoga mats, these rugs (Ashtanga yoga towels) are also handwoven by artisans, made of 100% cotton yarns infused with ayurvedic herbs like Red Sandalwood, Aloe Vera, and Neem.

The other reason why traditional yogis prefer cotton rugs is for spiritual considerations. Yogis wanting to be in harmony with the energies of something natural, rather than a synthetic and polluting yoga mat.

Just like our ayurvedic yoga mats, these rugs (Ashtanga yoga towels) are also handwoven by artisans, made of 100% cotton yarns infused with ayurvedic herbs like Red Sandalwood, Aloe Vera, True Indigo, and Neem.