Yoga & Alternative Practices
yoga shows the way"
Swami Vishnu Devananda
According to the Indian sage Patanjali "yogash chita vritti nirodha", that is, yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind, of mental fragmentation. The style of yoga practiced will vary according to the teachers and programme for the week, so please check our course calendar before you book.
Iyengar yoga was developed through the pioneering work of B.K.S. Iyengar, who freed the classical yoga postures (asanas) from their Indian mystique and with the use of props made them suitable for Westerners, who want to have a clear understanding of what happens in a yoga posture. A typical Iyengar yoga class focuses on precision of movement, correct alignment, and the study of the ‘muscle and mind’ actions and resistance necessary to enter a state of concentration. Breathing awareness is emphasized in every asana in order to deepen the experience. Through consistent practise the student overcomes his or her physical and mental/emotional limits and develops a deep awareness of the body, power, control, patience and physical and mental harmony. During the workshops different groups of asanas will be proposed to the students.
Hatha yoga classes comprise of a series of asanas (physical postures), usually held for some time, pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditative techniques (sitting in silence, concentration techniques), through which deep relaxation and the development of awareness of the body and mind in the present moment are encouraged. This is gradually transferred from within the class context into everyday life.
Your Body and Soul are full of natural, spontaneous energy... vibration... intuition… and aliveness. There is no judgment or reaction, no expectation or guilt, and no past or future. Through authentic, free movement in these 2 hour classes, we will release the deep tension and limitations that block our freedom and vitality. We will shake off the mind’s heavy burden of past experiences and their associated judgments. Through self expression, we will reach a new form of dialogue and union with ourselves. We will play with ourselves. We will challenge our ego and our comfort zone, light up our "story" and feel lighter. Through dancing, singing, playing, breathing and touching we will feed the parts of our body and soul that we have buried, forgotten and ignored. In short, we will reveal and awaken their natural states of being.
The class will include: African dance , contact improvisation, bioenergetics' exercises, voice work, breathing work, massage, physical theater, meditation, self expression.
In this journey there is no teacher and no technique to memorized. We are not here to learn any new theories. We have collected so many theories that our minds seem to have lost their ability to be alert, silent and open to pure creation. This physical - emotional - mental journey to find your true self is your own pure creation. Federica will be your guide and hold an open space for you. In her words: “I’m here to remind you of your power. I’m here to offer you tools to get through mental and emotional traps. Together, we will find your inner Light and Clarity”.
Yin Yoga (sometimes also referred to as "needleless acupuncture") affects organ health in the same way as acupuncture by applying constant pressure along the meridians, which activates and stimulates the body's energy channels, while also clearing energy blockages. To achieve this, poses are held for at least 3 minutes. In this way, it facilitates the distribution of chi into the cells and organs of the body and guides us into a harmonious synthesis of action and stillness. It significantly contributes to the flexibility of joints, strengthens the immune system, releases excess tension, brings a feeling of ease and lightness in the body, and increases overall well-being and vitality.
Yin Yoga helps to balance the overabundance of yang (active) energy with yin (passive) energy. This gives one the opportunity to slow down and direct the focus of attention within, rise above thinking and simply feel the goodness of being alive.
This movement practice emphasizes inner alignment with the present moment, rather than striving to achieve external forms and shapes, and is s uitable for all ages and physical fitness levels.
In this workshop at YogaOnCrete you will discover and practice the short form (16 movements) of Wu style tai chi. The Wu style tai chi from the beginning emphasises on nurturing yin, soft energy and has the reputation for its therapeutic properties, especially on the joints and spine. Proper body alignment, balance around the central axis and the great attention given to the core or tantien have beneficial effects combating stress while adding vitality to your life.
Capoeria-inspired Creative Dance
These classes aim to explore a relaxed and present state of body and mind, our relationship to ourselves and others and the connection to our environment, guided through rhythms. The movements are loosely based on Capoeira Angola, also involving elements from Dance therapy, Contact Improvisation, Afro-Brazilian dance, Yoga, Chi Gong and Tai Chi. The rhythms are influenced by Afro-brazilian culture. The classes will focus on the following elements:
In relation to the individual:
- breathing and motion
- inviting the various parts of the body to engage
- working from the ground
- travelling through space
- expression and creativity
In relation to one’s connection with others:
- communication through the body
- conscious choice and change
- revealing the harmony
- staying centred
Thus, the classes offer participants a time to re-awaken oneself through a sensory journey of self-expression, moving, feeling, dancing, playing, releasing one's natural state of being, offering you a time to quieten the mind, free your inhibitions, let go and ‘inJoy’!
Primitive Expression Dance Therapy
Primitive Expression is a simple, enjoyable technique of bodily expression and group experience accessible to all; its aim is the rediscovery of the sources of movement and the roots of dance in impulsive rhythm and energy. It is accompanied by the beat of drums; it combines motion, rhythm and voice through the suggestion of movements with a symbolic content, drawing inspiration from images and ideas taken from nature, mythology, folklore, or everyday life.
- During this week-long workshop at YogaOnCrete participants will be able to:
- Rediscover the natural rhythms that constitute the body (heartbeat, respiration) and the ways in which these structures become movement and then dance.
- Re-situate themselves in space, time and vis-à-vis the other members of the group (social aspect of dance).
- Channel emotions, thoughts, desires, impulses through forms provided by a given ‘anthropological’ repertoire of movements. These forms gradually acquire a different meaning, defined by the participants.
- Build up an artistic creation which, beyond its aesthetic result, will define and represent them on a psychic level.
Physically, it influences the central nervous system; brain and spinal column, as well as the fluid that bathes it. This fluid is called the cerebral spinal fluid. From our skeletal system and the bones of the cranium to the ebbing and flowing of our endocrine system, this cranial modality is effective, yet gentle.
Emotionally, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy can affect very deep and primary patterns, while providing the client with the resources and space to explore their emotional landscape. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy provides a deep sense of resourcing within the client. This resourcing provides a safe container for emotional issues to resolve.
Spiritually, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy can open doors to both our hearts and soul, for profound life change.
The Ginger Compress treatment loosens and dissolves stagnated toxic matter by stimulating blood and body fluid circulation, which helps to detoxify the body. The compress is typically placed over the stomach area to treat intestinal stagnation by increasing digestive strength and clearing built up mucous, and over the lower back to warm and strengthen the kidneys (the kidneys store vital essence and govern aging, sexual energy and willpower). It may also be used on other areas of the body for pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness. To enhance your ginger compress treatment, it will be accompanied by a Reflexology treatment.
Reflexology is a relaxing and gentle holistic therapy that aims to heal the whole person, rather than just the presenting symptoms. It involves the application of pressure to specific reflex points or ‘reflex zones’ on the feet or hands that correspond to all major organs, glands and body parts. Through the manipulation of these points, this therapy aims to relax and balance the body, improve circulation and promote the body’s own natural healing processes.
How will you benefit from Reflexology?
Reflexology can help replenish the whole body by encouraging it to naturally restore its own health balance. Reflexology is considered ideal for: Back pain; Migraine; Infertility; Arthritis; Sports injuries; Hormonal imbalances; Sleep disorders; Digestive disorders; Stress-related conditions.
Please note that reflexologists do not claim to cure, make diagnoses or prescribe courses of treatment for specific illnesses.
Federica’s Holistic Massage experience comes from studying many forms of body work over the past 10 years. A professional dancer, Federica has a wealth of body awareness. She trained as a massage therapist in the U.K., developing her integrated, holistic therapy based on research in the fields of kinesiology, psychology and anatomy. However, it is her practical life experience that truly defines her technique. She trained with shamans in West Africa who passed down to her the amazing healing techniques she incorporates in her style of holistic floor massage. Federica combines this knowledge with deep intuition and pure compassion to give you an unforgettable massage. Federica is also a certified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist.
In Federica's words, "as a therapist, I let go of any intention to try to 'fix' the patient receiving this treatment. Instead, I witness the natural process of self-healing unfold. We never look at what is wrong. Instead, we give power to the natural state of health. To allow the work to happen, I cultivate a meditative, silent state of presence. It is very special to be free from expectation and just let my heart guide the journey. Together with my patient, we are spectators of the gentle miracle of life. We walk with the unknown. To me, Craniosacral Therapy is an art of compassion. To my patient it is an empowering experience. It is a deep, restful experience for the patient's entire system."
"I have allowed myself to be pampered by this season’s resident body-worker Federica, whose shamanistic massage technique was handed down to her in Africa. Her technique incorporates a choreography of massage. It is a fluid performance, where she draws on her experience as a professional dancer as well as the physical study of the body. You are asked to be completely passive and only to breathe in a relaxed manner, as she stretches, rotates and massages your limbs. It is an intoxicating experience and after my treatment I float out of the room to fall into my bed and sleep deeply for an hour."
"Fede became part of my holistic approach to my wellness in 2010. She massaged me with a touch that healed, words that soothed, encouraged body pressures that shifted and unblocked and body movements that encouraged. Her beauty and serenity, skills in massage, movement and dance as well as her ability to listen and connect with people ensure her as a true healer. With gratitiude I look forward to our next connection."
Janette, gardener in Australia
"Federica, she is the most naturally gifted healer I have met."
Nevek, osteopathic doctor in Australia
"I’m an engineer! I really find it impossible to find appropriate words to describe or do justice to the therapeutic benefits your massages had on me. I can honestly say these massages were an experience like none other I have had before or since. They took me to another place and provided me with enormous relief from my physical and emotional pain. Above all, you introduced me to a new path and provided me insights to address my health problems that no doctors or psychologists had been able to do."
Graham, engineer in Australia
"Having been trained in massage myself and experiencing many forms, I admit to being a fussy client. I was totally amazed by this teqnique and it was nothing like I have experienced before. I felt like a baby in Federica's arms as she moved my body with such confidence and knowing. I found myself relaxing deeper than I have in a long time. Her awareness and compassion brought me to tears. I left floating."
Norma Strang, director of Bikram Yoga Byron Bay, Australia