Jennifer's Corner
Welcome fall! It's a beautiful time of year because the temperatures get a little cooler and Akasha's schedule heats up again! Our yoga teacher training program begins in the autumn, and offers a wonderful opportunity for you to explore more deeply all that yoga has to offer.
It's not only about the yoga, though. We have recently had a shift in consciousness about wellness, wholeness and spirituality. We believe that taking care of ourselves through yoga, tai chi, body talk, massage and ayurveda should be standard operating procedure instead of something to do when all else has failed. We know that all of these systems can help when things go wrong but we also recognize that if we routinely maintain every aspect of ourselves through these practices, we will feel better and find more time for joy in life.
This is what we want to share with every one of you. To encourage every member of the Akasha community to integrate these activities into her regular routine, we are changing our membership program. We think you will be pleased! Our goal is to provide you opportunities to increase your wellness knowledge, reduce stress and save money through wonderful events like wellness excursions, relaxation techniques, gong baths, movie nights, yoga immersions and more.
Alison Kruger, one of our massage therapists, has learned some ancient Ayurvedic treatments to bring you into harmony. Her article explains one of the techniques and there are more to explore if you are interested. This is one more facet of wellness to enjoy when you come to Akasha.
And finally, did you know that some employers are beginning to realize the benefits of these practices and offer discounts or pay for their employees' wellness? Ask your employer if your company has or is considering such a benefit.
The next email we send out will have our new membership program laid out for you. Please feel free to write or call with any questions or concerns that you may have.
We want you to live the most fulfilling life imaginable.
Shanti,
Jennifer
Wellness Matters: Ayurveda
A Whole New Way of Thinking
When I began to explore the world of healing through massage therapy, I had never heard of Ayurveda, much less knew what it meant. In talking with others, it became clear to me that more than half of those I spoke with had never heard of it either.
Ayurveda is Sanskrit word from "ayur" (life) and "veda" (knowledge), meaning "the science of life." Dating back 5,000+ years, it is widely regarded as the oldest form of healthcare in the world - much older than Western contemporary medicine. The Ayurvedic system of healing is a holistic approach, treating an individual with the whole being in mind: body, emotion, and spirit. It is said that when you combine a balanced Ayurvedic lifestyle and routine your health and vitality are enhanced.
Panchakarma is an ancient Ayurvedic detox cleanse, a gentle yet powerful way to jump-start a healthier regime. The therapies I have learned while studying to become a Panchakarma Technician provide many great benefits.
One such therapy, "Abhyanga," the most classical Ayurvedic massage, is the basis for all other bodywork techniques. Abyhanga, meaning "loving hands" in Sanskrit, is performed using hot oil along with rhythmical and systematic techniques. Touch is known to be a form of communication - any form of touch sends a message. With skin being the largest organ of the body, Abhyanga conveys a powerful therapeutic message. An Abyhanga massage is an excellent antidote for stress and a great way to bring one's body into balance. It is a great way to loosen up toxins in the body, nourish the skin, relieve fatigue, provide stamina, pleasure the senses and improve sleep. The effect is nourishing one's mind-body, emotion, and spirit. The benefits increase when receiving regular applications of this exquisite massage.
If you are interested in knowing more about Abyhanga and other holistic therapies, please contact me to embark on this journey together. To your health and happiness!
Alison Kruger, Licensed Massage Therapist
Yoga Spotlight: Standing Forward Fold
Uttanasana
Forward folds create a quiet, calm mind, relieve stress and combat depression. They cultivate a sense of inner awareness both during asana practice and beyond. But what to do when a pose that is supposed to relieve your anxiety is the cause of it? For those with tight hamstrings or low back pain, forward folding can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Setting yourself up for success in this pose requires mindfulness and a little bit of preparation. With practice, you will find your forward folds unfolding into a relaxing, centering place to be.
Most students come into a forward fold assuming the objective is to bend at the waist and touch the fingers to the toes. While this is somewhat true, it does not take into account the movement of the spine. To move into forward fold safely, you must first properly stretch out the spine to avoid putting pressure on the disks:
- Stand with feet hips distance apart. Inhale and lengthen through the spine, ground the feet into the floor, extend the crown of the head towards the ceiling and relax the shoulders away from the ears. Bring your hands to your hips.
- Exhale, bend the knees as if you were sitting into a chair, reach the sit bones back.
- Inhale, lengthen through the spine, pulling the sit bones and crown in opposite directions. With knees still bent, tip the torso forward over the thighs as you exhale. As you exhale, draw the navel in and up toward the lower ribcage making space in the abdomen to fold forward. The spine remains straight and long; the belly should now touch the tops of the thighs.
- Tip forward slightly at the hips to allow the crown of the head to relax towards the floor. Bring the hands to the floor (or to blocks) on either side of the feet and relax the shoulders.
- Inhale and lengthen through the spine by picking your belly up off the thighs slightly and lengthening through the torso and head. Exhale and relax the belly back towards the thighs.
- Stay here or inhale and press the feet into the floor to begin to straighten the legs. If the belly lifts off the thighs as you straighten the legs, stop and slightly bend the knees until the belly again touches the thighs and the crown presses towards the floor. Move slowly, straightening the legs one inch at a time.
- Work with the breath to lengthen the spine and deepen into the pose. If you experience low back pain, come out of the pose and rest in shavasana (Corpse Pose) with a bolster under your knees.
To come out of Uttanasana, again bend the knees deeply. Bring the hands to the hips, release the shoulders away from the ears and straighten the spine reaching the crown of the head forward. Inhale and press firmly into the feet to slowly lift the body up, keeping the head and neck in line with the spine. Take three breathes in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Kelly Pokharel, Certified Yoga Instructor
