This weekly class is designed to share the wisdom of Ayurveda through Hatha Yoga practice.

In each class you will:

• Explore the qualities of the Doshas through Asana and Pranayama
• Identify the Yoga postures that are uniquely suited to you
• Learn to adjust your Yoga practice on an “as needed” or Doshic basis

The Vedic sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda have enhanced one another for thousands of years.  Ayurveda, the science of life, teaches you to consciously follow the rhythms and cycles of the natural world with regard to your individual nature.  Ayurveda recognizes three primary forces of nature called Doshas. The Doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha regulate all aspects of life, including the natural processes of your body, mind and emotions. 

FLOW YOGA: (See also Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga Styles)

Flow Yoga is to move smoothly with unbroken continuity, as in the manner characteristic of a fluid, to circulate, as the blood in the body, to exhibit a smooth or graceful continuity.

A Flow class will increase your heart rate, increase your strength and assist in weight loss and detoxifying.




HOT YOGA: (See the HOT YOGA page)






IYENGAR YOGA:

The Iyengar basic principles of movement are compatible with current developments in the field of physical therapy and in other modern bodywork disciplines. Combining classical yoga traditions with innovative refinements, Mr. Iyengar’s approach is marked by dynamism and precision. Iyengar Yoga is unsurpassed as a way to build strength, stamina and flexibility while cultivation a sense of graceful peace and well-being.

In an Iyengar class, poses are typically held much longer than in other schools of yoga, so that practitioners can pay close attention to the precise muscular and skeletal alignment this system demands. Also specific to Iyengar, which is probably the most popular type of yoga practiced in the United States, his use of props, including belts, chairs, blocks, and blankets to help accommodate any special needs such as injuries or structural imbalances. For more information, visit www.iyisf.org.

WHO FOUNDED IT: Iyengar Yoga is a method of Hatha Yoga developed over a period of 60 years by B. K. S. Iyengar of Pune, India. He is ne of the worlds most acclaimed yoga masters. He is the author of Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, The Art of Yoga, The Tree of Yoga and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He currently teaches with his daughter, Geeta and his son Prashant at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India.




KRIYA YOGA:

Balance is the word that symbolizes Kriya yoga. The balance of all things and the balance in all things. Moderation in all things. The practice of Kriya Yoga embraces a technique that specifically highlights the bond between mind and breath. This principle is maintained that breath influences the mind and vice versa. Thus, Kriya Yoga considers breath control as a self control, and the mastery of breath is the mastery of self. Kriya Yoga encourages inward focus, spiritual attunement and living our yoga daily. For more information visit: www.yogakriya.org.

WHO FOUNDED IT: Sri Goswami Kriyananda is the Guru and Spiritual Preceptor of the Temple of Kriya Yoga. He has been guiding seekers on the spiritual path for over 55 years. His warm humor and profound insights have inspired thousands to awaken their minds to knowledge, their hearts to kindness, and their lives to service. Read his inspirational advice on life at: www.yogachicago.com.

MEDITATION (See the Meditation page):

Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth.

Meditation is the ultimate technique and at the core of all the Yoga practices. This is part of Yoga’s system for waking up to your essence/potential.




NIDRA:

Yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness also known as "yogic sleep." The Yoga Nidra state is most similar to that of deep dreamless sleep, with the notable difference that the person is fully awake. In addition, Yoga Nidra is also a practice conducive to entering the Nidra state. Through guided relaxation techniques and visualization, this practice aims to create a deeply relaxing state for exploration of latent consciousness.Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice that complements meditation and that can be helpful in noticing deep seated habitual patterns of action and thought. This class starts with a brief section of gentle stretches to release body tension in preparation for lying down in a restful position for most of the practice.




POWER YOGA:

Power Yoga’s popularity has spread to health clubs across the country and has taken on a broad range of applications. The common thread is a rigorous workout that develops strength and flexibility while keeping students on the move. Power Yoga Is directed at creating the highest level of energy, vitality and freedom.

WHO FOUNDED IT: Power Yoga’s roots are from the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. A name derived from teachers for students to better understand what Ashtanga is. Visit www.power-yoga.com or www.poweryoga.com for two teachers to know.




PRANAYAMA:

Breath control. Although breathing is one of our involuntary bodily functions; pranayama (the science of breath) –consists of a series of exercises intended to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain and to control prana or the vital life energy in the body. Prana commonly translates as "air," "breath," "spirit," "life," "life force," "energy," "subtle energy," or "the upwards moving energy currents within the body." You will practice Pranayama techniques in every yoga class.




PRENATAL YOGA (See the Prenatal Yoga page):





RESTORATIVE YOGA: (See also Therapeutic Yoga)

Restorative Yoga helps to restore health, strength, or consciousness, producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigor, pertaining to rebuilding, repairing, or reforming.

A Restorative practice is especially good for beginners and those with injuries.





SLOW FLOW: (See also Flow)

Slow Flow Yoga is a variation of Flow Yoga, which is aimed at integrating the actions of the breath, the body, the mind and the spirit. This type of practice emphasizes the breath as the element that guides, inspires and brings the poses to life. Interspersed with the poses there are pauses throughout the practice to observe clearly the effects of the practice. In addition to the integrative effects of this practice, the slow pace of movement facilitates a meditative approach to Yoga.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA: (See also Restorative Yoga, Back Pain page, Prenatal Yoga page)

Therapeutic Yoga exhibits healing powers, serving to cure, mentally, physically, emotionally.

A Therapeutic practice is especially good for beginners and those with injuries. Therapeutic Yoga is often used with positive effects to treat back pain problems. (See also Back Pain page)

In addition, Therapeutic Yoga is also quite beneficial during pregnancy. (See also Prenatal Yoga page)

VINYASA: (See also Flow and Ashtanga Yoga Styles)

Vinyasa Flow Yoga incorporates fluid movements with deep, rhythmic breathing. Linking movement with breath enhances the health benefits of each pose including greater muscular strength and tone, increased flexibility and joint mobility improved circulation and hormonal balance, as well as, creating a more focused, calm and meditative state of awareness.

A Vinyasa class will increase your heart rate, increase your strength and assist in weight loss and detoxifying.