Below are descriptions of classes, workshops and some of the healing modalities we draw from. To see when a specific class or workshop is taking place go to our calendar page.
Yoga Therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person, physical, psychological and spiritual. Yoga Therapy focuses on the path of yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature. The Healing journey is unique to each individual and Yoga Therapy therefore selects, adapts and modifies the practices of yoga appropriately for the individual with respect to age, culture, religion, and specific physical challenges and conditions to facilitate optimal health and healing of the body/mind.
The Yoga therapy process begins with a thorough description of the student’s present status at physical, psychological and spiritual levels. It takes into consideration the student's ayurvedic constitution, specific areas of physical and psychological strength and weakness, the role of stress and areas of separation in the life of the student. It then looks at which facets of yoga would facilitate optimal wellness and finally designs a program of yoga practice to meet the needs and goals of the student. – Joseph Le Page
Our yoga instruction is based in Yoga Therapy. It is yoga as therapy. We use the ancient tradition of yoga and all its tools to heal and find relief from dis-ease. Not to be confused with the combining of western psychotherapy and yoga (yoga and therapy), which can also be referred to as Yoga Therapy. Because of our therapeutic approach and intention our classes tend to have a very unique rhythm and feel to them. On that note the classes are designed to bring unity and wholeness to all aspects of the person (not just physical) which may permeate to many parts of the students life. The physical aspect is meant to be a transformative experience into a state of balance rather than having an intention to reach “physical fitness goals”. We draw inspiration from Patanjali, Krishnamacharya, Desikachar, Satyananda of the
Yoga
Partners Yoga is everything a yoga practice has to offer times two! It can be a powerful model of connection both in the microcosm of a class and the macrocosm of the universe. In a partners yoga class the yogin or yogini enters asana (yoga poses) with their partner joining into a practice that becomes one. This method of joining your two practices together can be an exhilarating and elevating experience for both participants. There is a level of trust that occurs between both individuals entering each asana, as they rely on each other for mutual support or balance to complete each pose. Whether your partner is a friend, companion, or a family member, a partners yoga class can strengthen and reveal much about our individual practice and is a great experience for a beginner or advanced practitioner. Thai Yoga Massage Thai yoga massage is a dynamic body work therapy based on yoga, ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), and traditional medicine from Thai Yoga Massage is performed on a mat which rests on the floor; the client is dressed in comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. No oils or creams are necessary. In this unique healing system the practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures while palming and thumbing pressure points and vital lines of the recipient’s musculature. Together these actions result in a treatment that seeks to alleviate problematic or chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive problems, menstrual discomfort, stress-related conditions, pain caused by muscle tension or old injuries, improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and brings balance to the energetic body. It works by increasing flexibility through appropriate movements, relaxing the muscles and nervous system with various pressure techniques as well as balancing the energy system of the body through the use of pressure points known as marma points in yoga and ayurveda. Muay Thai is the traditional art of Thai self-defense. It is a style of unarmed fighting using the feet, knees, elbows, and fists as defending weapons. It should not be confused with Western style kickboxing. True Muay Thai fighters in The class "Muay Thai Boot Camp" meets once a week on Saturday mornings from 11am to 1pm in Glen Alla park. This is not sufficient training to compete in the ring and our workouts are designed primarily for physical fitness while learning the powerful self defense basics of Muay Thai in a safe non-competitive environment. The classes are given for dana (donation). Click on the link below for map and directions. For more info. email Shawn@mettariver.com Click Here for a map to Glen Alla park The teacher is Shawn Patrick. He has been a martial artist for over 17 years and studied many different martial art systems before dedicating his practice to Muay 
