Specialists in YOGA THERAPY and Individually Designed Yoga Practice

"I am happy (though not surprised) to report that the most recent practice you gave me resolved my shoulder pain and headaches - neither of which have returned. I was able to maintain the practice easily". Diane Burnett

Teaching Principles & Ethics

A yoga practice is essentially a movement into wellbeing. For the establishment of this process and the immediate experience of wellbeing it is crucial to maintain and encourage the flow of energy (prana) within the system.

The postures and movements (asana) lay the foundation for specific breathing exercises (pranayama). This in turn helps clarify and calm the mental/emotional system. Too much exertion in asana will disturb and disrupt the practice of pranayama. Over-extending in pranayama will similarly create disturbance.

Yoga practice as understood here is not the attainment of difficult and unusual bodily positions or complicated extended feats of breathing. Rather, it is a uniquely individual experience of wellbeing open to all people in all situations. Fundamental to this process is the notion of adapting the yoga to the individual. This was the primary teaching of Prof. T Krishnamacharya.

The teacher is responsible for what happens in class and private sessions

The teacher must have the experience and training to do no harm.

This means the teacher will:

• have the skills of observation to maximise safety.

• will never intimidate or push anybody to do something they are not comfortable with.

• provide a range of alternatives for each posture to suit the variety of needs.

• have an understanding of what aggravates and relieves various conditions.

• ere on the side of caution when unsure about anything.

• facilitate development carefully & intelligently based on the principles of therapeutic yoga.

The teacher, at all times, be inclusive.

This means that the teacher will use inclusive language and will not treat people in a discriminatory manner based on their “being”. Being  refers to:

• gender,

• ethnicity,

• body size and shape,

• sexual orientation,

• age,

• mental or physical ability.

All participants of Yoga for Healing are entitled to be treated equally.

This means that the teacher will not treat people in a discriminatory manner based on their “situation”. Situation refers to

• financial resource,

• occupation,

• level of education,

• personal presentation,

• lifestyle choices.

Aim to maintain high standards of professionalism.

This includes the following:

• Start and finish classes on time.

• Avoid swearing.

• Match your personal presentation to the situation.

• Do not disclose personal details about students to others.

• Do not disclose intimate details about yourself to a group of students.

• Never indulge in sexual innuendo, sexual jokes, or sexual behaviour to anyone in a yoga context.

A support person is always welcome
 

Ph: 0273 702-142      e-mail: facilitator@yogaforhealing.co.nz