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ABOUT YOGA
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means 'to yoke.' The Eight Limbs of Yoga as described by the sage, Patanjali, are Yama (conduct), Niyama (observances), Asana (body postures), Pranayama (breath/energy control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (bliss).
This ancient practice reconnects all the different parts of us, helping us to open into all that we are. It also gives us tools to take care of ourselves. Through it we can support the healthy functioning of our bodies, nurturing the physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual.
Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together. -B.K.S. Iyengar
YOGA & STRESS
Stress is a huge imbalancer in our current way of life. Our bodies and brains have not evolved as quickly as our environment has. Because of this, we are often overstimulated and overwhelmed. Our nervous system thinks we are in danger. Our system is overrun with the protective hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. The long term presence of these can affect our digestive system, liver, thyroid, reproductive hormones, emotional and mental wellbeing and muscle vs fat percentages.
Yoga helps us to balance the stress response by burning off adrenaline and cortisol (aerobic yoga) and taking us into a parasympathetic nervous system controlled state (restorative yoga). In this state we send the signal to our body that it is safe. We turn off 'fight, flight and freeze' mode and enter 'rest and digest' mode. Here we can heal. It also helps us to gain perspective and begin to reprogram our nervous system. Yoga gives us tools to thrive and be the very best versions of ourselves that we can be.
TESTIMONIAL: I have attended Lisa’s yoga classes over several years and have found her a patient, loving, safe, kind and informed teacher who is committed to ensuring her new yogis have a wonderful experience in her classes. Not only is she deeply knowledgeable about yoga and its history and applications to the modern world, but she is a person who puts her entire heart into caring for other people, and you cannot help but feel this when becoming her student. Lisa is a rare teacher who ensures everyone leaves her presence feeling both refreshed and cocooned. -Naomi, Nelson
BKS Iyengar
Look after the root of the tree, and the fragrant flower and luscious fruits will grow by themselves. Look after the health of the body, and the fragrance of the mind and richness of the spirit will follow.
Lisa Allan has been teaching yoga since 2004. Through her classes she invites awareness of and individual response to what is discovered within. Lisa is currently offering private individual and group sessions in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch, please contact for rates and more info. :)
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