As there are types of yogic blends in the vast spectrum of YOGA (union, sanskrit), there are a myriad of travel companions we’ll find on our journey towards our spiritual union. More often than not, a companion of this sort is nearly 6 feet tall and about 2 feet wide, and if we’re very lucky - can even last a lifetime!
We’re talking about a Yoga mat; the home to all our spiritual practices.
Once we choose the path of wellbeing, unlike other decisions, we seldom pay attention to the type or the kind of yoga mat suited for us, for our individual needs. And while choosing a mat may seem like a straightforward process, it becomes important to do our research and consciously choose products that are not going to harm our health or the environment, as we do about everything else.
Whether we buy a yoga mat online or purchase one in person, choosing our yoga buddy depends on several factors that need to be considered. While labels like ‘natural yoga mat’ or ‘organic yoga mat’ may seem to solve our earth-friendly motivations, the most significant variable in choosing the appropriate ‘natural’ material of the yoga mat is the climatic condition of the place we’ll be using it in.
In addition to the material used, factors like texture, thickness and grip, together determine the overall value the yoga mat brings to our yogic practices. To help you find your right match, here’s our complete guide on the art of selecting a natural yoga mat.
Cork Yoga Mat
The new age cork stem Yoga mats are the front runners in the quest for the best yoga mat in India. Being antimicrobial in nature, it fulfills every criteria of durability - heat, cold or rain. Should you ask, what is cork? Cork is the outer bark of the Oak Tree. The Oak tree is never cut down to harvest cork, rather the bark is stripped by hand! No part of the bark is wasted during cork production. Oak trees regenerate their bark by absorbing five times more Carbon Dioxide than an oak tree that hasn't been harvested.
Being 100% biodegradable, cork yoga mats are free from harmful silicone, phthalates and harmful chemicals.
The cork padding not only provides an optimal cushioning to your hips, knee, elbow and joints, but also a sturdy grip which increases as the surface wets. The sweatier, the better!
The other side of the mat is made with sustainably harvested tree rubber from rubber trees, which also happens to be a renewable resource. From sustainable designs to water-based inks for color, the Cork Yoga Mats make for a Yogi’s favorite.
Cotton Yoga Mat
Whether you practice asanas as a means of weight loss yoga, or perhaps, view it as a measure to rectify hormonal imbalances as pcod yoga, cotton as an ensemble on the body, or the base beneath it, makes you feel one with the earth. Being a natural vegetable fiber, cotton offers you an ultimate feel and comfort, all while ensuring that you breathe easy.
Cotton Yoga mats are available in several blends, more popularly as the handwoven cotton rug yoga mat and the organic cotton yoga mat with natural rubber back. Since cotton is generally easy to wash and maintain, the former variety is solely cotton, while the latter comes with an enhanced rubber grip. So, whether you are doing the Adho Mukha Svanasana or Sirsasana, feel at complete ease on these handloom cotton yoga mats.
For instance, Isha Life's genuine organic cotton yoga mat matches the ideal ease you seek during sadhana or asanas.It also has good grip, so that you can feel grounded during every stretch.
https://www.ishalife.com/in/yoga-day/yoga-mats/organic-rug-yoga-mat
Dharba grass Yoga mat
A partly edible yoga mat? You read it right!
Darbha (Desmostachya bipinnata) is a tropical grass, native to the Indian subcontinent, that has been identified as an eco-friendly food preservative. Darbha is also considered as sacred material in Vedic scriptures, used to purify the offerings during rituals. In addition to its cultural significance, the natural cooling grass is also added to food items during eclipse in different parts of India, primarily to ferment the food items, to be removed later.
Prakriti’s Dharba grass yoga mat comes with a delicious earthy smell, to promise you an intimacy with the earth like never before. This yoga mat also features cotton yarns, which are woven to hold the grass straws together, as well as coated with natural rubber on the lower surface, making it skid proof.
Our Dharba grass yoga mat is sure to bring out an earthy bliss.
Sambu straw and Jute Yoga mat
From eco-friendly furniture to Yoga Mats, Sambu straw and Jute make for a wonderful combination, ensuring a texture providing an unmated grip for yoga practices. Not only is the mat capable of absorbing moisture, but also prevents slipperiness arising out of perspiration.
A natural rubber coat along the lower surface of the mat enhances grip to avoid skidding. The best feature of the mat remains its portability, the lightweight attributes of both jute and sambu straw, making it an ideal companion for travel or commutes.
https://www.ishalife.com/in/sambu-straw-and-jute-yoga-mat
Hemp Yoga Mat
Hemp is a “bast fiber” which means it’s derived from the stems of plants such as flax, jute and stinging nettle. Historically, hemp has been used for industrial purposes, like rope and sails, and is known as one of the most versatile and durable natural fibers. Being gentle on the earth, hemp production requires very little water.
Prakriti’s Hemp Yoga mat personifies low maintenance as it comes with sustainably harvested natural tree rubber from rubber trees. In addition to excellent durability, the hemp mat surface increases grip when wet. If you’re looking for a cue for the awaited hot yoga session - this is it! Let the sweat wick off your hemp yoga mat!
Banana fiber Yoga mat
From eating on a banana leaf to gorging on its nourishing fruit (and stem), is there anything on a Banana tree that can’t be consumed? Think again!
The exclusive Banana Fiber yoga mat is an interesting creation, produced from the tonnes of banana trunks that are usually disposed of after harvesting. It is from these trunks that the banana fiber is extracted.
Banana fiber is known to be supple, as well as hypoallergenic (which means, it is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction). These fibers are woven together with cotton yarns, which induces this mat with a softer, more comfortable feel. In addition to the rubberised back, these mats hold you steady (and sticky if you like) on the ground.
Feel free to go bananas with Isha’s Banana fiber Yoga mat!
