Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa is a traditional form of yoga taught and developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. This dynamic form of yoga aims to connect and synchronize the movement with the breath (vinyasa). The student progresses at his own pace in learning the series of postures: starting with Surya Namaskara, the Sun Salutations, and adding new postures one by one, under teacher supervision. The uninterrupted flow of movement combined with the deep sound breath creates heat in the body and sweat to deeply clean and detoxify the muscles, organs and cells.
The asana sequence is designed to bring good health, strength and flexibility to the practitioner as well as a focused and relaxed mind.
As every other yoga method, Ashtanga can be practiced by everyone and tailored to everyone’s needs and capacities.
As per Ashtanga Yoga tradition, we will teach Mysore style* classes, as well as one led class per week.
Complete beginners are advised to follow our Ashtanga introductory course before coming to the Mysore class.
*The Mysore style of asana is a self practice, very specific of the Ashtanga tradition. The practitioner evolves at his own pace, receiving individual assistance by physical adjustments and verbal instruction from the teacher. This is an individual and non competitive practice in a group class setting.
Please inform the instructor of any kind of pain or injury (rather old or new) in order to receive to best advice concerning your practice. Nevertheless, a safe self-practice should be a personal responsibility and a part of oneself’s knowledge.
Hatha Yoga
“Ha ” means Sun, “Tha ” means Moon and “Yog” means to unite or to join. So “hatha yoga” could be the union of the solar and lunar principles, the union of masculine and feminine, physical and mental energies.
The Hatha yoga system is originally a preparation for meditation by creating body purification and mental stability.
This implies first, to clean and remove blockages in the energy channels of the body (shatkarmas). Then, one can practice the yogic postures (asanas), that will bring strength to the muscles and improve the functioning of the internal organs. While practicing asanas, you try to connect the mind to the body by increasing awareness of body parts, focusing on stressed joints and muscles, maintaining awareness of the breathing. When you reach stability in your posture then you also perfect mental stability.
After that, the third aspect of hatha yoga is pranayama, or control and extension of the vital energy. Those breathing exercises are combined with energy locks (bandhas) and gestures (mudras).
In the classes we will practice all these aspects of hatha yoga.
That is why yoga is very different from stretching or any other form of physical exercise: in yoga, steadiness, comfort, conscious movements and breathing awareness are involved.
Our classes are designed for all levels; they include the practice of both dynamic and static yoga poses, meditative and relaxing poses. They can also be designed for a specific public, for example for athletes, elder people, children…
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy offers both preventive and curative values. Because it produces balance and harmony in the physical and mental processes, yoga is very effective in stress-relief disorders and in many cases, it proves to be the only method of relief. Yoga can move side by side with medical science and sometimes independently because it is a complete system in itself.
Disease is the result of an imbalance in the systems. According to the yogic science *, most bodily dysfunctions can be traced to mental afflictions, but whatever the origin of a disease, man’s body and mind will suffer at the same time. According to yogis and medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs in the body.
Yoga therapy is a systematic approach of yoga; it involves diet, hatha yoga cleansing techniques, asanas, pranayamas, relaxation and meditation.
Many scientific studies have proved the benefits of yoga in problems like arthritis, stress management, diabetes, obesity, menopause, back pain, asthma, digestive problems, anxiety, depression etc…
Please contact us for further specific information regarding yoga therapy programs.
*Yoga is considered a science in India and scientific studies are conducted in India along with European, Australian or American scientists.
Yoga for pregnancy and post-natal
Yoga can prepare women physically, emotionally and spiritually during pregnancy, creating a positive environment for the baby. The practice of yoga during pregnancy is suitable for all kind of practitioner, either beginner or advanced but with of course, some adjustments in the routine according to the period of the pregnancy. At that time, yoga must always be practiced with the baby’s safety in mind; it is not the time to learn some new postures.
Yoga during pregnancy really empowers women by promoting positive thinking and faith in the woman.
It strengthens the pelvic muscles, can relieve back pain, prevent varicose veins and constipation. It also improves fitness by controlling the weight gain and flexibility in general. It tones all the muscles used in birthing, as much as it helps with pain and stress management during labour by using breathing and relaxation techniques.
After the birth, it promotes a fast recovery and help in balancing emotions.
Here also the approach has to be systematic, combining asanas, pranayamas, relaxation and meditation.
Please contact us for more informations.
Yoga for Children
Although the practice is quite different, yoga can be very useful, helpful and also fun for children. The practice of dynamic postures and the breathing exercises will improve concentration, body awareness and calm the mind.
The sessions with children also integrate the drawing of yantras, the construction of mandalas and the discovery of Indian classical music with occasionally the presence of musicians playing in live, inspiring children enthusiasm and creativity.
Preferentially, the classes will take place outside, in a beautiful natural environment, an important element to induce a positive thinking and development.
Contact us for more information and schedule.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra can be translated by the yoga of sleep, a psychic sleep more precisely; it is a borderline state between sleep and wakefulness. Your body sleeps, your mind is at rest but your consciousness remains active. It is an act of hearing and feeling.
Yoga Nidra is a powerful relaxation and meditation technique derived from ancient Tantra and adapted for us by Swami Satyananda of the Bihar School of Yoga. This technique induces deep relaxation of the body and mind with the ultimate aim of increasing self-awareness.
The technique of Yoga Nidra enables you to remain aware while you enter into the dream and the sleeping states of consciousness. The technique is a practical and easily accessible. It creates deep relaxation for health, mental peace and higher awareness.
Yoga Nidra sessions, guided by the voice of an instructor, can be practiced individually or together with any number of participants but in a room or closed hall.
Yoga at Home and by Skype
Originally, yoga was taught by one teacher directly to one student. The great ancient teachers understood the importance of individualizing each yoga experience to meet the needs of the student. Today, a private/small group session at home allows for a more intimate view into your practice. You can start or deepen your practice, as well as working on an injury or the improvement of your overall health condition. When you work with a teacher one on one, the teacher is able to help you experience the benefits of yoga in a safe, personal way. This is a way to help deepen your practice, gain confidence, answer questions and provide guidance. Our teacher can develop a home practice tailored to your individual needs.
Yoga at home is an invaluable tool for students of all levels and experience. Lessons at home provide the perfect setting to address your goals and work on areas of individual concern. It is particularly recommended for users in yoga therapy.
Vidas com Arte offers all of its yoga activities to be done at home, in eastern Algarve till Tavira for groups as well as private sessions.
YOGA ON SKYPE
Yoga Nidra sessions by donation (in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian or French) can also be scheduled on Skype allowing the practitioner to experience this relaxation technique with a real instructor, rather than with an impersonal audio or video recording. With no set or even suggested fees, all donations are anonymous and all are appreciated.
Contact us for more informations.