Alien yoga is the latest craze among fitness fans on social media

Yoga instructor Aubry Marie shows off the alien yoga pose. Photo / Instagram, aubrymarie

Yes, Alien Yoga really is a thing.

Yoga-lovers are contorting their stomachs into weird shapes that look like the classic vision of what an alien would look like, according to news.com.au.

The resulting pictures and videos - which are being posted on social media - are pretty unnerving.

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Can you tell which is my strong side? #practicemakesperfect 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🍩 I had such a blast creating this video w/ @aloyoga a few months ago and it's SO damn exciting to finally share it and my first ebook, coming soon!! Your questions and comments make me laugh so hard 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ it's called #nauli, no it doesn't hurt, yes it's healthy (incredibly so) anybody can learn to do it, there are tons of benefits- which I'll tell you more about soon!! SO MUCH LOVE! #aloyoga

A post shared by Aubry Marie (@aubrymarie) on Apr 14, 2017 at 12:22pm PDT

The move, which is actually called Nauli, is supposed to "cleanse" the digestive system and strengthen the core through a series of abdominal movements.

It has also been around a long time, as a traditional yoga move.

According to Nauli.org, the somewhat unsettling move is challenging but can be easily mastered by anyone, regardless of age or experience level.

The website recommends learning from a skilled yoga teacher as it can cause discomfort if done improperly.

"Nauli cleanses the internal organs and tones the abdominal region via a side-to-side rolling motion of the abdominal muscles," the website states.

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Nauli dance party💫 I've answered a few questions about nauli technique on the THE/THIRTY site (link in bio) and today I'm taking over @thethirty to explain a bit more!! See you there !! 💕#nauli #naulikriya #naulibreathing #uddiyanabandha

A post shared by DANIELLE 🌻 ACOFF (@yellabella) on May 19, 2017 at 12:10pm PDT

To achieve the four moves of Nauli, you have to first master Uddiyana bandha, which is where you empty your lungs and pull your abdomen under your ribcage.

Next, you perform Madhyana Nauli, Vama Nauli and Daksina Nauli - these three moves isolate and contract the central, left and right side of the abdominal muscles.

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Trying to do nauli? #nauli #naulikriya #core

A post shared by 𝒩𝒹𝒾𝒹𝒾 ℋℴ𝓃𝓀𝒶𝓃ℯ𝓃 (@ndidin) on Mar 10, 2017 at 6:04am PST

In addition to stronger abs and better digestion, performing Nauli is also said to correct hormonal imbalances, keep your organs in tiptop shape, improve willpower and produce happiness and emotional stability.

You also get to totally freak out your friends at parties.