Reference Guide to Modalities

Yoga

Yoga is an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit. The word 'yoga' refers to the union of these elements. This art of holistic living was developed and practiced in India thousands of years ago. But, since yoga deals with universal truths, the teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Over the centuries, four different paths of yoga have been developed. Modern society has embraced Raja yoga, emphasizing the asanas, (postures) and pranayama (breath control).But only when we collectively draw on the techniques of all four branches of this 'tree' can we truly unify our body, mind and soul...

Devotional Path (Bhakti Yoga)
Through various practices such as chanting, prayer and repetition of mantras, emotions are channeled into devotion, transforming negative emotions in a positive direction.

Philosophical Path (Jnana Yoga)
Usually regarded as the most difficult of the four paths, a sharp mind and unclouded intellect are necessary. This intellectual approach to spiritual evolution describes the world as illusion. Using the two powerful techniques of Viveka, (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion), the veils of illusion or 'Maya' are lifted.

Active Path (Karma Yoga)
Selfless service, to serve humanity without expecting rewards, and to see unity in diversity. Through this path, the mind is purified and it's limits transcended.

Scientific Path (Raja Yoga)
Prescribes a psychological approach based on concentration and control of the mind. A healthy body, steady posture, breath regulation and withdrawal of the senses are recommended to achieve this. A strong foundation in these elements prepares the body for meditation.

Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is flow based in the ashtanga system, but with alternating hatha/restorative sequences for balance. Plus meditation, poetry, chanting and personal insight.Yoga is a non-dogmatic practice, encouraging unity with all.

Feldenkrais

Moshe Feldenkrais was an Israeli physicist and judo black belt who developed his somatic work based on years of clinical study as well as much experimentation. He concluded that in order to transform the physical body, the nervous system had to be retrained to send different messages to the muscles.

Feldenkrais training offers a way to re-organize our body awareness at the deepest neurological level. It can expand our repertoire of movements, enhance our awareness, improve function and enable us to express ourselves more fully. The Feldenkrais method is expressed in two parallel forms, both centering on self-observation, which flows from gentle guided movements. Awareness Through Movement lessons consist of verbally directed movement sequences presented primarily to groups. These lessons attempt to make one aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and to expand options for new ways of moving, while increasing sensitivity and improving efficiency.

Functional Integration is a hands-on form of tactile kinesthetic communication. The practitioner develops a lesson for the student relating to their need or intention. Gentle, non-invasive touch and movement are used to help organize the body in a more efficient way. The Feldenkrais method is based on principles of physics and bio mechanics. Believing that all people, regardless of their age or condition, have the ability to reprogram and learn.

Meditation

When we practice meditation, we are quieting the mind and consciously directing our attention, to alter our state of consciousness. Through a consistent practice we can manifest positive changes, experience emotional cleansing and balancing, deepened concentration and develop greater intuition and awareness.

There are many forms of meditation, repeating a sound or mantra, can help purify the mind of thoughts. Insight Meditation, calms the mind by focusing the attention on the breath. Known as Vipassana in the Buddhist traditions, this simple technique has been used in Asia for over 2500 years. It allows one to live more fully present in the moment. The ultimate aim of this practice is the ending of suffering in the discovery of an unconditional freedom.

5 Rhythms

Dance is one of the most ancient expressions of human emotion. 5 Rhythms is a moving meditation developed by Gabrielle Roth, noted artist, philosopher and healer. She has devoted her life to explaining and communicating the language of primal movement and experimental theatre.

5 Rhythms is a dogma-free practice open to anyone. The dancer is invited to a place of ecstatic and creative embodiment of the spirit. Through this movement we learn to listen to ourselves, allowing the dance to come spontaneously. We move this way, intuitively following the body through five different 'rhythms.' Each rhythm is a whole landscape, with it's own teachings.

The 5 Rhythms are a map of the way energies are transformed. As we move through a wave of flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness, we find a mirror for the different emotions we meet in daily life. This practice can be used simply for the pleasure of moving our bodies in any way we want, or as a powerful means to create positive changes in our lives Keep moving...it is the key to health and happiness.

Bellydance

Celebrates the body through ancient ancient movement and awareness of self. Originating in the middle East, the movements are shown to have been a part of daily life and ritual as far back as 4000BC and have been incorporated into the dances of many different countries.

This dance form can be a bridge to safely explore culturally unfamiliar territory , by enjoying and appreciating the body just as it is. Taking pleasure in sensual movements and expressing our natural sexuality can lead to an open more fluid approach to our surroundings. The emphasis is on connecting with heaven and earth in oneself, becoming grounded in body and uplifted in spirit. Isolated movements of each body part are learned and brought to life by rhythm and music.

A beautiful method of moving energy, and centering the body, mind and spirit. The sensual movements of belly dance can increase physical health, create positive self-awareness and confidence.

Tai Chi and Chi Gong

Chi Gong - Chi means 'energy,' gong means 'repetition.' Chi Gong is the repetitive practice of simple movements which enables us to activate vital force energy. It works with the energy found in our bodies and our environment to overcome imbalances. These simple meditative movements and breathing exercises can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical shape.

The most ancient practice in China, Chi Gong is the root of other martial arts, including Tai Chi and Kung Fu. the whole being is addressed, offering powerful tools for attaining optimal health. Chi Gong also encourages the individual to work toward their own healing. By harmonizing and increasing the flow of chi, blockages are released, stagnant chi is moved and every cell is nourished with oxygen.

Deep tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy

These techniques address specific area and use both penetrating and deep gliding strokes to release restrictions and elongate muscles and fascia. Results can include an increased range of motion and enhanced range of motion and enhanced function of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Craniosacral Therapy

This subtle technique assesses and helps correct stresses on the cerebral system. C.S.T. can enhance immune functions, core body alignment, and engages the self-corrective intelligence of the body to heal areas where it is most needed.

Reiki

A Japanese 'laying of hands' healing system based on Taoist energy practices that allow the practitioner access to universal energy which is directed to heal areas where it is most needed.

Healing Touch

An energy based therapeutic approach that affects physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing. This technique is recognized by western-based medicine and is taught to nurses to aid patients with chronic

Trager

The release of long term, deep seated physical and mental patterns is the goal of the Trager approach. With subtle rocking and elongating of the limbs, the body in invited to find its natural alignment with a gentle contact.

Milton Trager's approach to body/mind integration has always focused on the connection between the physical structure of the body and the unconscious mind.

Trager consists of two parts: Mentastics and a table session.

Mentastics is a word coined by Milton Trager and his wife to mean, mental gymnastics, gentle, self-directed movements that enhance the value of a table session. These movements teach us to play with gravity rather than be defeated by it.

A table session allows the practitioner to connect with the client on the deepest levels of consciousness and through gentle, non-intrusive touch, play along the meeting point of restriction and freedom.