Yoga

The Yoga classes at the studio are suitable for all level of practitioners. The postures taught in the class are an essential base from which to work with. Both beginners and experienced students are able to further advance their practice with modified (for beginners) or enhanced (for experienced) postures. The instructor will usually do a posture where a simplified posture will be demonstrated for people who are less flexible. The classes try to explore all aspects of the yoga practice and philosophy.

Different instructors emphasise different attributes of yoga. Classes are one and a quarter hour long with one hour exploration of asana (postures) and the rest of the time exploring other aspects of yoga practices, with a final 10-15 minutes relaxation/corpse pose.

You can start classes at any time. While classes are online, please book through this page.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong is a therapeutic exercise that weaves together movement, breathing, self massage and meditation into a gentle art and a complete system of health maintenance. It originated from observing movements of animals and nature. It has a lot of similarity with Tai Chi movements.

The form taught is called "18 Lohan Hands". This form covers a general spectrum of Qi Gong activity from dynamic (Wei Kung) to quiescent/internal (Nei Kung). It is based on ancient traditional knowledge of the functioning of mind and body. It teaches how to use mind, breathing patterns and body movements to improve the circulation of internal body's energy. It is relevant to a wide spectrum of health concerns.

General Benefits of Qi Gong

• Activates the flow of Chi (intrinsic life energy) along the meridians.

• Strengthens the internal organs.

• Increases longevity through maintenance of health and vigour.

• Exercise all the joints and muscles.

• Promote inner balance and serenity therefore dealing with stress issues.

• Prevention of occupational diseases example repetitive strain injuries.

• Complements other forms of physical activity and general martial art forms.

• It has been thoroughly researched that Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises can be used to manage arthritis pain.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a holistic healing art developed in Japan and based on traditional 3500-year-old oriental medical wisdom while incorporating the principles of anatomy, physiology and pathology. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine proposes that energy, otherwise known as “chi” “qi” (or “ki” in Japanese), moves through the body in well defined channels or pathways known as meridians. Each meridian is connected to an internal organ and carries the energy of that organ’s functioning. Good health is reliant upon the harmonious flow of chi through the meridians and internal organs.Shiatsu is a dynamic body therapy in which the therapist interacts with the receiver to restore balance in the energy system. Imbalance, that is, too little or too much chi, can manifest in various ailments, depending on which meridians are affected.

Like most natural therapies, Shiatsu is based on the assumption that the body is a self-healing organism, and that the role of the practitioner is to aid and support that naturally occurring process. Shiatsu can assist an individual with their self-development and self-healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition and addressing physical and psychological functions; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities.

Although the word Shiatsu translates literally from the Japanese as ‘finger pressure’, in practice, the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet are used to apply pressure to various parts of the body. Pressure can be gentle or firm, depending on the condition being treated.

Treatment may also include the use of flowing stretches and gentle rotations of the limbs and joints, simple structural alignments and muscle release techniques. On a physical level this has the effect of stimulating circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid. It also works on the autonomic nervous system; helps to release toxins and deep-seated tension from the muscles, and can also stimulate the hormonal system. On a subtler level Shiatsu allows the receiver to deeply relax, stimulating the body’s inherent ability for self healing and regeneration. The person receiving Shiatsu remains clothed.

The effectiveness of Shiatsu in maintaining balance may be supported with recommendations regarding diet, yoga, meditation and exercise as part of an overall treatment regime.

Cost: $100 for 1 hour session home visits or at Monty Hub : 1-3, Mountain View Road, Montmorency on Monday afternoon, Weds morning and afternoon or Thursday afternoon or evening.