Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. ~ BKS Iyengar
Having originated in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga is an ancient science that consists of theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection. These are now being proven by modern medicine through substantial research in an effort to examine the health benefits of yoga – from the postures (Asanas), breathing (Pranayama), and meditation. In addition to the obvious physical side effects of yoga: increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, increased lubrication of joints, tendons and ligaments, internal organ stimulation, detoxification aid, there are many tangible benefits that flow from the primary work of yoga – the unity of mind-body-spirit.
VedaTherapie offers both scheduled classes for those on a tight routine, as well as a very flexible program, which can be tailored to suit each person or group's individual needs. A 1-month private class is recommended for new students taking yoga for the first time. This will enable special attention and 'seasoning' of body/mind to prepare for the following more advanced classes. We have a range of classes as follows:
Vinyasa flow Beginning with a short meditation or breathing practice, moving into sun salutations and standing and seated poses. The poses are mostly flow style to stretch out muscles, yet some deep poses are held to encourage relaxation. This session is followed by an extended Pranayama and Shavasana session, leaving you calm, relaxed, yet energized to face the day.
Power Flow/Deep Stretch The class is divided into two parts. The first part is a fast, powerful flow using lively music. Entering into the second phase, the student will feel sufficiently heated and prepared for the supported, held, deep postures to come.
Restorative Yoga Unravel the accumulated and deep layers of tension in your body and mind from the day's work, creating personal transformation and healing. All poses are supported, allowing your mind and body to fully release.
Himalayan Kundalini In this practice, you are led through a kriya set to strengthen your auric field. A clear and strong aura is vital to your coming fully into your whole being. Connect to your higher self and transcend your mind in this calming and expansive practice. A beautiful set for experiencing the divine within and without.
Ashtanga Yoga - The Eight Limb Path The practice of Yoga not only deals with the technical (physical) asanas (postures) which lead to positive changes in the body, but as importantly, addresses many aspects of our being and our lives. C.E., Patanjali, considered the father of Modern Yoga, compiled 195 aphorisms which are called the Yoga Sutra. In the Yoga Sutra, he described the eight aspects of a Yogic Lifestyle, which is commonly referred to as the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The limbs are practical guides to an individual’s personal development to achieve harmony of the mind, body and spirit, ultimately leading to Samadhi, or enlightenment. Real practice of these eight principles leads to a deeper awareness and self-knowledge, love and respect towards other people and creatures, a purified lifestyle and cleaner environment.
Integrative Yoga Integrative yoga can be described as somewhere between a doctor’s visit and a stretching class. We work in small groups or private sessions, addressing specific health problems and prescribing a course of asanas, breathing and meditation - combined with diet and lifestyle habit coaching - accordingly. While we don't advocate the replacement of your family physician with yoga therapy, it has been well-proven to complement allopathic treatment in areas ranging from lower back pain and other structural maladies to treatment of depression, anxiety and stress.
How Integrative Yoga works In your first 90-minute private visit, we will gather your health history, measure certain key indicators for risk such as blood pressure/pulse/weight/BMI, and observe your gait and posture. After determining any habitual off-kilter body mechanics and lifestyle habits, we will prescribe and thereafter monitor a sequence of yoga poses, massage sessions to help release holding, breathing exercises and meditation techniques over an eight week course.