PHILOSOPHY

“The physical body is only one aspect of health in yoga philosophy – mind and spirit are just as important”

“The principle yogis have understood for thousands of years is that proper exercise is designed not to develop muscle and exhaust our strength, but to gently stretch and tone the body and above all to stimulate circulation, right down to the cellular level, so that tissues are nourished, wastes removed, vital organs returned to full efficiency, and the metabolism heath is restored”

“The human body can be compared to a car. There are five things that any automobile needs to run properly, whether it is a Rolls Royce or a rusty old car – lubrication, a cooling system, electric current, fuel and a sensitive driver behind the wheel. In Yoga the asanas or postures lubricate the body. They keep the muscles and joints running smoothly, tone all the internal organs, and increase circulation without creating fatigue. The body is cooled by complete relaxation, whilst pranayama or yogic breathing increases prana, the electric current. Fuel is provided by food, water and the air you breathe. Lastly, you have meditation which stills the mind, the driver of the body. By meditating, you learn to control and ultimately transcend the body – your physical vehicle."

"Yoga is not a theory but a practical way of life...”

- Swami Vishnu Devananda

The first teacher training taught in the West was developed in 1969 by Swami Vishnudevananda, founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta.

DESCRIPTION & BENEFITS

A session* of Yoga Includes:

RELAXATION

PRANAYAMA (yogic breathing)

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA

Expands capacity of the lungs
Relaxes the nervous system
Balances the two hemispheres of the brain
Purifies the nadis (subtle energy channels)
Awakens the inner spiritual energy
Kapalabhati (lung cleansing exercise)
Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing)

ASANA (15-25 postures)
Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

Control emotions
Improve power of concentration
Rid the body of excess fat
Enhance physical fitness
Relieve chronic ailments
Stimulate circulation
Stabilise thyroid functions
Keep muscles youthful and supple into old age

The asanas are much more than just stretching. They open the energy channels, chakras and psychic centers of the body while increasing the flexibility of the spine, strengthening bones and stimulating blood circulation and the immune system. Combined with pranayama, asanas calm the mind and reduce stress. Performing the postures slowly and consciously, becomes a mental exercise in concentration and meditation.

Article: Practicing Yoga

*Open to everyone, adapted according to level and needs of participants.
Introduction (beginner), Intermediate (with a regular yoga practice), Advanced (for athletes and advanced practitioners), 55 + (mild Yoga), family (Yoga adapted) and pregnant (prenatal and postnatal Yoga).

AVOIDING INJURIES

“Real Yoga is as safe as mother’s milk”

To avoid serious injury Yoga is practiced without artifice (block, chair, strap and harness of any kind) in an atmosphere of pure simplicity. These compensatory objects are obstacles to understanding and realization of postures (asana). The goal is to get to know through the practice of Yoga with humility, patience and maturity. All superficial distractions will only keep you from this goal.

Article: How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body

CERTIFICATION

“...all of these studios are popping up like mushrooms, Yoga is a lucrative business and many become teachers almost overnight...” - La Presse 17/01/2012»

«Those looking for a course and / or training in Yoga teacher should ensure that the instructor is qualified in the subject. It is essential to have acquired a mastery of the practice and understand the principles before being able to transmit them. There is no certification, federation, school or other "official" in Yoga. Yoga is not attached to the Ministry of Sport, like football or karate for example, but is attached to the Ministry of Culture just as a philosophy or a religion. The certifications obtained in this discipline are evidence of training and practice, having no legal value.»