Yoga Therapy

The question in life is not who you are, but from which chakra (energy centre) you relate and how much in balance your tattvas (elements) are.  — Yogi Bhajan

Yoga’s therapeutic benefits are many.  Research shows that depression, anxiety or trauma mostly involves the lower, limbic portions of the brain.  While learning to think differently is important, true healing usually incorporates some form of bodywork.

Kundalini yoga is a tool to achieve self-mastery, and one of the oldest forms of human development.  It is at least 5000 years old.  Kundalini yoga is the original and one of the most powerful of the twenty two schools of yoga, all of which are beneficial.  It incorporates stretching as well as an energetic aerobic workout with breath cooordination.  All yoga kriyas (sets) are designed to work on specific body systems, such as the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine or reproductive system. 

Each set helps to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being, aligning the yogi with greater awareness and centeredness.
  

Each kriya is also targeted at a specific chakra or sequence of chakras. These energy centres are located at nerve plexii centres along the spine.  When your chakras are open and balanced, you have better overall health. 

Chakras join our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies and are a gateway to deep understanding and self-transformation.
  

Physical postures (asana), meditation, mantra, and breathing exercises (pranayama), as well as relaxation techniques are all part of the practice. 

Kundalini Yoga is the science of the total self: it helps those who practice it to reduce and manage stress effectively, and to stay emotionally balanced as well as physically and mentally strong and healthy.
  

The word "Kundalini" refers to the hidden, latent potential that we each have inside of us.  "Yoga" means yoke or union, the merging of the individual creative consciousness with the Infinite Creative Consciousnesss.

The benefits of Yoga Therapy with Kundalini Yoga:

•  increases awareness of one’s spiritual nature
• reduces negative patterns and habits
• increases mental clarity and focus
• improves problem solving skills
• enhances creativity
• reduces the effects of stress
• enhances body-mind integration
• improves body image
• improves breathing
• balances the glandular system
• strengthens the nervous system
• improves immune function
• allows one to gain greater control over one’s life
• allows one to develop a greater sense of meaning and purpose
• supports the experience of joyful and healthy living

In addition to kundalini yoga classes, I offer private kundalini yoga therapy sessions where I work with you to develop your own yoga practice; teaching you specific poses, yoga meditations, and kriyas (sequences) that are recommended for your circumstances and issues (i.e.  stress, anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, and different forms of trauma).  During the session, I encourage you to accept your body and issues without judgement as you practice  or talk about what is comfortable.

You can do Kundalini Yoga, regardless of your age and level of physical fitness.  Modifications are available for most poses to make the practice work for you.   Yoga practice should be regular in order for benefits to be realized, though a single yoga therapy session can help you to become more aware of your physical and mental health issues and strengths, and provide a basis for home practice.

The following is a selection of Yoga Postures/Practices for Chakra Balancing and removing energy blocks or samskaras:

Chakra 1

(Muladhara, Root Chakra)

Vitality, groundedness, being comfortable in your body, safety and security, solidity, prosperity, being present in the here and now

Postures: mountain pose, warrior poses, triangle and extended side angle pose, lotus pose, knee to chest pose, leg stretches, powerful pose

Chakra 2

(Svadhisthana, Sacral Chakra)

Emotions, movement, change, nurturance, ability to set boundaries, pleasure, and sexual satisfaction

Postures: bridge pose, pelvic tilts, butterfly pose, bound angle pose

Chakra 3

(Manipura, Solar Plexus Chakra)

Digestion,willpower, responsibility, reliability, self-discipline, confidence, warmth, energy, playfulness, ability to take risks

Postures: boat, plank, leg raises, bow, forward and backward bends

Chakra 4

(Anahata, Heart Chakra)

Love, compassion, empathy, acceptance, peace, centredness

Postures: cobra, fish, camel, bow, standing yoga mudra

Chakra 5

(Vissudha, Throat Chakra)

Clear communication with self and others, empathic listening, sense of timing and rhythm

Postures/Practices: chanting, mantras, writing, neck stretches, cobra, plough, shoulder stand

Chakra 6

(Ajna, Third Eye Chakra)

Intuition, insight, imagination, memory, dreams, visualization, vision for life

Practices: meditation, visualization, dream journals, withdrawal of senses, venus lock, alternate nostril breathing

Chakra 7

(Sahasara, Crown Chakra)

Spiritual connection, wisdom, mastery, intelligence, open-mindedness, ability to question, assimilate, and analyze information.

Practices: headstand, focusing on breath, mindfulness, concentration, meditation

"You are what you relate to.  If you relate to Infinity, you are an Infinity, but if you limit yourself, then you are limited."  -  Yogi Bhajan