Short Course #1 for Abdomen More than ‘Core’ (Short Course; Level Experienced Beginner)
The role of the abdominal area in asana and pranayama practice is much more varied, complex, and interesting, than it is in the more conventional physical exercises. This area is rich with musculature, organs, nerve plexi, and the more esoteric control centres. It is recognised not just a ‘structural’ component whose musculature needs to be […]
Supporting the Back through Arm and Leg Actions – A Gentle, Supported Practice
A series of quiet asanas in seated, standing, and supine positions, to understand the relationship between the limbs and the trunk. We focus on broadening/ spreading actions at the lower limbs (legs), and the upper limbs (arms). This activates the upper and the lower back, while ensuring there is no narrowing/ pinching Although this can […]
A Woman’s Practice: Gentle and Progressive Abdominal Toning Useful for Post-natal/ Post-menstrual Times (Short Course; Level: Intermediate)
This short Course on abdominal toning is useful for everyone, but is especially useful for women during post-partum phase. The sessions in this Course are indicative rather than prescriptive. It is not recommended to start an asana practice immediately after child birth. A few weeks gap in case of a vaginal delivery, and even longer in case […]
Abdominal Toning in Asanas Part4: A Follow-along Session for Intermediate Level
This is a follow-along sessions with minimal instructions. This class is a culmination of this Short Course, and requires familiarity with the previous sessions. Level: Intermediate Duration: 60min Props needed: chair and a stack of blankets/ bolster to set up chair sarvangasana, an addl. chair for ardha halasana, 2 blocks, a yoga strap This recording […]
Seated Forward Extensions: Supported Positions for a Quiet Practice
In this final session of the Short Course on seated forward extensions, we practice these asanas with support. Such a practice is emotionally quietening, cooling (and therefore recommended for hot days), can relieve headaches, and is part of the practice for high blood pressure, and womens’ menstrual practice. The use of supports makes especially makes […]
Knee Health: Creating ‘Space’ at the Joint
The subjective experience of ‘Space’ at the knee joint. Creating and maintaining that space in extended and flexed leg positions to protect the cartilage and ligaments. Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 90 min; Props needed: couple of yoga blocks, a few firm blankets, a couple of yoga straps or any long piece of cloth, a […]
Viparita Karani Deep Dive: the Serenity of the Inverted Lake (Short Course Level: Experienced Beginners, Gentle)
In the Iyengar tradition, the restorative qualities of viparita karani are harnessed by making possible long supported holds. This position/ action finds mention in the yogic scriptures ( indeed, its benefits are said to be ‘death defying’), but without clear description. It was Mr BKS Iyengar who not only interpreted the action, but also made it […]
Viparita Karani Deep Dive: the Serenity of the Inverted Lake(Short Course Level: Intermediate)
In the Iyengar tradition, the restorative qualities of Viparita Karani are harnessed by making possible long supported holds. This position/ action finds mention in the yogic scriptures ( indeed, its benefits are said to be ‘death defying’), but without clear description. It was Mr BKS Iyengar who not only interpreted the action, but also made […]
Short Course #1 for Knees: from Healing to Challenging (Short Course; level: Intermediate)
This Short Course on Knee awareness neatly breaks down the information packets: alignment, creating space, activating the surrounding tissue: thighs, hips and calves, dynamic weight shifts, progressive loading of the knee, going beyond flexion and extension to internal and external rotations This structure makes it easier to understand the breadth of actions in which the […]
Bringing Further Movement to the Groins
While groin injuries are common in sportspeople, runners and bicyclers, most of us live with chronically ‘tight’ groins. The second session of this Short Course continues to explore the involvement of the groins in standing and seated asanas. The inner thigh area (the adductor group of muscles and the surrounding connective tissue) is stretched farther […]
