What is Kaiut Yoga?
By AYC Instructor Tucker Shelton
The yoga of the ancients was designed to work with bodies that lived and grew very differently from how our modern bodies live and grow. Dwelling in caves, squatting constantly, the ancients did not spend any time in chairs. In today’s Western society we have a culture that revolves around chair sitting. We are taught to sit to learn in school. We sit to work. We sit to eat, to drive, to relax — in fact, you’re probably sitting right now to read this.
The truth is that your bones have grown while you were sitting. Your joints were molded by the way you sat, and now the majority of alignment issues, chronic pain, injury, and disease can be related back to sitting. This is the cornerstone upon which the Kaiut Yoga Method stands.
The Kaiut yoga method is a floor-based practice that utilizes gravity to unwind chronic restrictions in the joints. This practice is most easily comparable to Yin yoga in the sense that it involves long-held shapes and works with the joints. However, there are vast differences between these two styles of yoga.
In Kaiut yoga, we hold poses and utilize finely directed micro-engagements to release adhesions in the connective tissue, which both strengthens and opens the joints.
The results of Kaiut yoga are undeniable:
- Chronic pain relief
- Alleviation of inflammatory disease symptoms
- Joint mobilization
- Better sleep
- Improved circulation
That’s just to name a few.
Kaiut yoga is designed for biomechanical optimization. It is a practice for all bodies, no exceptions. Tight athletes, hyper-flexible dancers, octogenarians with joint replacements, persons with chronic illness, traumatic injury survivors, and truly anyone with aches and stiffness from daily life will find juicy nourishment in this classroom.
This burgeoning modality is ready to take the world by storm, and Tucker Shelton is the only Kaiut yoga instructor in Asheville — and one of just two in North Carolina! Join Tucker’s Kaiut yoga class and experience the next evolution of yoga!
Look for Tucker’s Kaiut class on the AYC class schedule under the title “Therapeutic Yin” on Wednesdays 12:30-1:45 pm.
You can also get a deliciously deep dive into Kaiut by registering for Tucker’s Joint and Fascial Tissue Therapeutics Workshop on Thursday, September 13, 5:45-7:45 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Kaiut Yoga Method?
Kaiut Yoga is a floor-based practice that uses gravity and time to gently unwind restrictions in the joints. It incorporates long-held, supported postures with subtle micro-engagements to release tension in connective tissues and restore natural mobility. Unlike styles that focus on flexibility or muscle tone, Kaiut Yoga prioritizes joint health and nervous system balance, aiming to create sustainable, long-term healing.
Where Did Kaiut Yoga Come From?
Francisco Kaiut developed this method after experiencing chronic pain from a childhood injury. His background in chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, and yoga led him to create a system that integrates Western therapeutic principles with traditional yoga. Kaiut Yoga is designed to meet the needs of modern practitioners, especially those dealing with injuries, stiffness, or age-related limitations.
How Does Kaiut Yoga Differ from Yin Yoga?
While both Kaiut and Yin Yoga involve long-held poses, their intentions and effects differ:
- Kaiut Yoga: Focuses on joint health and nervous system regulation through micro-movements and functional alignment. It’s accessible to all body types and aims to restore natural mobility.
- Yin Yoga: Targets deep connective tissues and energy meridians, often emphasizing stillness and passive stretching to enhance flexibility and energy flow.
Kaiut Yoga is more therapeutic and functional, making it especially beneficial for those with chronic pain or mobility issues.
What Are the Benefits of Kaiut Yoga?
Practitioners often report:
- Relief from chronic pain
- Improved joint mobility
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced circulation
- Reduced symptoms of inflammatory conditions
- A calmer, more regulated nervous system
This practice is suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, including those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.
Where Can I Find Kaiut Yoga Classes in Asheville?
Asheville offers several options for Kaiut Yoga:
- Asheville Yoga Center: Offers Kaiut Yoga classes that blend restful postures with micro-engagements to address chronic restrictions.
- Tucker Yoga: Offers Kaiut Yoga classes focusing on longevity and nervous system regulation.
- Spiral Way Healing Arts: Led by Beth Molaro, who has over 800 hours of training with Francisco Kaiut. Classes are held at Alchemy Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM.
These studios provide inclusive environments suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
