about yoga

Benefits of Yoga

The practice of yoga provides benefits to all 3 “bodies” – the mental, physical and emotional body.  Whether you are seeking to increase strength and flexibility, sharpen your focus and concentration or regain a sense of balance and peace, the incorporation of yoga into your life will allow you to reach your goal. 

Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda is a classical form of yoga which combines the asanas (postures) with breath awareness, meditation and relaxation.  This practice is for anyone who wishes to increase strength and flexibility through their spine, muscles and bones while learning to ground and center the mind.  It is suitable for any level as each practitioner is encouraged to listen to their inner wisdom and play within the practice as it is for them on any given day.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is a passive form of yoga in which the poses are held for longer periods of time in order to focus on the connective tissues of the body, creating greater flexibility in the spine, hips and legs.  This practice is perfect for anyone who feels as if they may enhance their ability within their favorite sport, or gain greater comfort in their life with an increase in flexibility to the low back, pelvis, hips or hamstrings, while learning to release tension in the mind and still the thoughts.  Suitable for any level of practitioner.

Ayurvedic Yoga

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old medical system which is referred to as the “sister science” to yoga.  Ayurveda literally means “the knowledge of life”.  Ayurveda teaches that we are each made up of all 5 elements that exist (water, air, ether, fire and earth) and that through our process of living our lives on a daily basis we bring more of these elements into our bodies through our five senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing).  If we bring too much or too little of what our individual body requires of a particular element, or combination of elements, into our bodies there may be an imbalance.  These imbalances, if not treated, may lead to disease.  Ayurveda uses the five senses to bring our body back into balance and the practice of yoga is just one of the tools that is used for this purpose.  Utilizing specific poses and the focus within the poses, a practice is created specifically for each individual to assist the body in managing the imbalances that are present for that person at that time.