Yoga: Lifestyle, asana, pranayama, meditation...
"I don't do sitting still, I'm busy from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep. I had no idea how wonderful it would feel to just be still for a while, to have the luxury of time to focus on me and absolutely nothing else. Amazing. Thank you." G.T., Surrey
"It [yoga nidra] was amazing, I'd felt so stressed and emotional before. Afterwards I was able to focus all afternoon and into the evening, I can't believe how much I managed to get done, it was brilliant, thank you." E.H., Surrey
"It [yoga nidra] was amazing, I'd felt so stressed and emotional before. Afterwards I was able to focus all afternoon and into the evening, I can't believe how much I managed to get done, it was brilliant, thank you." E.H., Surrey
Whether you see yoga as purely exercise, a way to deal with stress, or as a way of life, one thing is certain, the vast majority of people will feel much better when practising regularly. From as little as 10 minutes a day can make an enormous difference, both physically and mentally. Although Yoga is much more than physical poses (asanas) and focused breathing (pranayama), this is where most people begin their journey (and where many stay). The strength, confidence and focus you build through regular yoga practice has a tendency to spill into other areas of your life, helping you to tackle or manage change. Please use the contact form or email vicky@kanua.co.uk for further information or to book classes/workshops.
There are several styles of asana based yoga, and ‘new’ styles evolving, most of which are active ‘yang’ styles developed from Hatha (effort) yoga. Hatha yoga combines physical exercise and mental discipline, with the goal of integrating and invigorating both body and mind (if you are interested in the history, these combine two of the Eight Limbs of Yoga). It is an excellent way to develop muscle tone and increase strength and flexibility, and is particularly good for preparation and/or recovery from sports, such as running, cycling, tennis and squash. The stretching in yoga is a good way to reduce the effects of stress on your body. Many postures apply gentle pressure to internal organs, stimulating the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid through the tissue. This, combined with controlled breathing with your movements, leads to you feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, Hatha yoga is recommended for men and women at all stages of their life, from tiny child to centenarian. Adaptations of poses can be made, and props used, to provide a beneficial practice for all.
Hatha yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, increase strength and reduce the risk of injury in daily life. It can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and can help manage conditions such as insomnia and chronic pain.
Where yang styles (Hatha) build muscle strength and have hundreds of available poses, Yin yoga’s focus is on joints and connective tissue. Yin yoga involves a much smaller number of asanas than yang styles, mostly in seated or lying positions, supported by various props, such as blankets, blocks, bolsters, bricks, straps and cushions. It is the perfect complement to yang yoga and to many sports, particularly high impact sports where injuries are more common place, as it provides a much deeper stretch. It is also a very meditative practice, as the poses are held for much longer, from 3 or 4 minutes for beginners up to 20 minutes for some poses for the more experienced yogi or yogini.
Both styles of yoga can be taught in groups, 1to1s or workshops. Please look out for additional yoga or meditation workshops that run from time to time.
There are several styles of asana based yoga, and ‘new’ styles evolving, most of which are active ‘yang’ styles developed from Hatha (effort) yoga. Hatha yoga combines physical exercise and mental discipline, with the goal of integrating and invigorating both body and mind (if you are interested in the history, these combine two of the Eight Limbs of Yoga). It is an excellent way to develop muscle tone and increase strength and flexibility, and is particularly good for preparation and/or recovery from sports, such as running, cycling, tennis and squash. The stretching in yoga is a good way to reduce the effects of stress on your body. Many postures apply gentle pressure to internal organs, stimulating the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid through the tissue. This, combined with controlled breathing with your movements, leads to you feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, Hatha yoga is recommended for men and women at all stages of their life, from tiny child to centenarian. Adaptations of poses can be made, and props used, to provide a beneficial practice for all.
Hatha yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, increase strength and reduce the risk of injury in daily life. It can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and can help manage conditions such as insomnia and chronic pain.
Where yang styles (Hatha) build muscle strength and have hundreds of available poses, Yin yoga’s focus is on joints and connective tissue. Yin yoga involves a much smaller number of asanas than yang styles, mostly in seated or lying positions, supported by various props, such as blankets, blocks, bolsters, bricks, straps and cushions. It is the perfect complement to yang yoga and to many sports, particularly high impact sports where injuries are more common place, as it provides a much deeper stretch. It is also a very meditative practice, as the poses are held for much longer, from 3 or 4 minutes for beginners up to 20 minutes for some poses for the more experienced yogi or yogini.
Both styles of yoga can be taught in groups, 1to1s or workshops. Please look out for additional yoga or meditation workshops that run from time to time.
