Looking slick in contemporary black, blue and brown, Bangkok's newest yoga studio - Dharma Yoga - aims for pure relaxation.

Nualpan Osthananda and her partners have had five years of success running the lavish day spa Sareerarom on Soi Thonglor, and now they've expanded into yoga.

A Bt5-million investment, Dharma Yoga is in the lifestyle shopping centre The Crystal and boasts instructors who all have at least 15 years' experience.

"Yoga not only enhances your strength and flexibility," says Nualpan, "it also eases tension through pranayama - the breathing technique that controls and harnesses your life force. You develop a steadier mind and stronger willpower and perception."

The word "dharma" refers to nature, she adds. "It helps practitioners to experience the connection of body, mind and spirit."

The studio offers classes in three yoga styles: Power Vinyagsa, with its dynamic movement, Iyengar Yoga, slower and with attention to detail and body alignment, and Ashtanga Yoga, which emphasises correct posture.

And since a lot of Thais haven't tried yoga before, there are daily, 90-minute drop-in classes for beginners, and hour-long introductory classes every Saturday at noon.

A second branch of Dharma Yoga is planned on Asoke Road.

By Aekanek Girl

Daily Xpress