PRACTICE WITH ME

YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga is a floor based, non-dynamic practice where postures are long held.

The practice of Yin can help to release the deep fascia of the body, which is the material found throughout our body, which also supports our joints and organs. This can increase our range of movement and create more ease within our bodies.

Yin yoga is complementary to more dynamic Yoga practices or other 'Yang' exercise. Yin yoga is sometime called a 'quiet' practice, because there is space to explore stillness and it has potential to quieten the mind, each shape is an invitation to self-enquiry.

Yin yoga has its roots in China, it is based on the Taoist theory of yin and yang – opposing yet inseperable energies. Yin is stable and passive, while yang is changing and active.

Yin yoga also relates to Chinese medicine and meridian theory. In the long held postures we maybe effecting the flow of our Qi (energy) throughout these meridian pathways. This has potential to be beneficial to our health both physically and emotionally.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

Yoga that is restful, nourishing and healing. It is a relaxation practice which is essential to our well being.

The body is supported by props such as bolsters, blocks + bricks and the practice takes place on the ground. The postures are about being rather than doing. The emphasis is on comfort and deep rest. When we rest deeply our muscles release, our blood pressure and stress hormone levels drop, and our heart rate, breathing and brain waves slow down.

A typical Restorative practice may also consist of gentle movements, Pranayama (breath control) and Mindfulness Meditation (meditation focuses on the body and breath).

QIGONG

Qigong (pronounced chee gung) is a system of Chinese medicine, which has been around for 2500 years. It regulates health, manages energy levels and balances life. Qi in Chinese means ‘life energy’ and gong ‘to cultivate.’ It draws on principles from Daoism and Buddhism.

Qigong is a nourishing practice for the body, mind and spirit. The practice involves moving and exercising the body, regulating the breath and calming the mind + heart.

Qigong does not require as much strength as Yoga or martial practices, but it has a subtle potency.

The basis of Qigong is that we are part of nature, the great ‘oneness’ which is balanced and harmonious. As we move in Qi Gong we are cultivating our life force in harmony with the elements that relate to the seasons.

YOGA FOR CANCER

The pace of this class or workshop encourages and cultivates self enquiry into the possibilities and limits of the body + also encourages self compassion.

I will hold a safe space for your experience as it is now, whether that is during or after cancer treatment.

This class or workshop will incorporate aspects of Yin, Restorative Yoga, Qi Gong and sometimes Yoga flow, but with an emphasis on a much slower pace, with plenty of options to suit individuals and permission to rest.

TESTIMONIALS

Hazel

“Sasha is an excellent teacher, who is compassionate and committed to giving her students a wonderful experience through her relaxed and warm approach. Sasha is very skilful in the way she is able to bring both ease and flow into her classes. I look forward to her class every week because she weaves a beautifully tapestry; which allows her students the time to immerse themselves within.”

Maggie

“I’m in my seventies and practice Yin yoga with Sasha. She has a really subtle way of adapting her teaching so that everyone in the class benefits irrespective of their health or age. I always feel better afterwards.”

Eleanor

“I have been attending yin and restorative yoga classes with Sasha since summer 2018 and would not consider going anywhere else! She teaches yoga with such compassion and her classes are always an amazing experience. I feel like I’ve been transported somewhere peaceful no matter what kind of day I’ve had. I cannot recommend her highly enough, Wednesday evening classes have become a ritual for me.”