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How did you get involved in Yoga?
I've always loved physical activity, but my path to yoga was long and winding. It started with Tang Su Do (a Korean martial art) at age 14, which lasted several years until I left for college. Racquetball and swimming kept me happy through college, with hiking and canoeing every summer. When I settled in San Francisco in 1993, I happily returned to the martial arts, teaching basic Karate techniques and self-defense to children. This work inspired me to search for a dojo and finally pursue a black belt in Tang Su Do. During my search, I stumbled upon San Francisco's burgeoning Capoiera scene and fell in love with the fluid motion of this Brazilian martial art. Unfortunately, the minor but chronic back pain I'd had for years began to accelerate. Disheartened, I let a friend talk me into checking out her yoga class - and that's all she wrote. I never went back to Capoiera, never found a dojo, and have been practicing and studying yoga ever since. I'm a complete convert!
What distinguishes your approach from that of other teachers?
I love to infuse every practice with some piece of yogic text or philosophy intended to inspire students to carry the benefits and values of their yoga practice into their daily lives. The practice then blossoms into something spiritual and beautiful – a way of living instead of just a form exercise. I use metaphor and visualization to help students find that tender balance point between effort and effortlessness in every pose. Lastly, I take the time to notice physical details and provide safe and un-intimidating physical adjustments to help students of all levels gain awareness, strength and flexibility.
What do you emphasize in your classes?
I emphasize the breath first, and alignment second; not taking yourself too seriously is a close third! The breath can tell us a lot about how we're doing—in yoga and in life. For instance, holding the breath, or shortness-of-breath, can indicate too much willfulness and not enough surrender. This way of breathing can indicate a lack of trust in intuition, ease, and grace. It can also indicate fear. These kinds of poor breathing responses are often physiological habits coming from being in an uncomfortable situation. If you pay attention, you can quiet the breath – sometimes through backing off of the difficult pose, other times just simply by noticing the reaction and changing your mind about how to respond. Noticing and deepening the breath slows down the habituated fight-flight response of the body and provides us with more control over our actions and reactions – both on and off the mat.
My dedication to teaching proper alignment stems from experience with my own injuries. Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t just occur at desk jobs. They occur any time we do the same motion over and over again – particularly if the motion is done with poor alignment. So doing a vinyasa flow sequence with continually misaligned actions, especially in power flow and Ashtanga classes, will most likely result in injury. I am dedicated to helping people avoid these problems! Finally, I always emphasize having fun during practice. This doesn't mean it won't be challenging; but if it's not fun and inspiring, you won't be able to integrate yoga into a regular lifestyle practice.
Which form of yoga do you practice and why?
I started out practicing Ashtanga, and found the moving meditation to be perfect for my spirit, but not so great for my shoulders and knees. So I went in search of different teachers and different styles of yoga. Since then, my approach to practicing and teaching yoga has been a complete integration of my own experience. I use my own body as a science experiment - waking up my muscles, bones and energy body in vastly differing styles of yoga depending on how I feel at any given moment. I love to integrate my knowledge of fluid Anusara and Ashtanga yoga, with quieter hatha styles like Integral and Kripalu, and therapeutic styles like Iyengar and restorative yoga. How do I choose what to practice and what to teach? I listen to my body. Some days, there's no way in hell that these shoulders will let me practice Ashtanga. Other days, it's perfect for my excess of energy. On days when I feel tired and stiff, restorative yoga has my name all over it!
Uma's Bio |
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What is the relationship between yoga on and yoga off the mat?
Ahhh, this is a BIG question. In short, yoga is a lifestyle practice. It can help us learn ways to notice and respond with awareness and compassion to any and every incident that presents itself. For instance, in a yoga class, we challenge ourselves to maintain stillness, presence of mind, and fluid breath while holding an uncomfortable pose. This learning infuses our body, mind and spirit with a memory that can serve us well at the office, or at home with our partners and kids. When something irritating, scary or uncomfortable happens, we can access our visceral memory of handling that uncomfortable situation with grace, breath and presence of mind.
There are many yogic texts to help us understand the connection between yoga and Life. The Bhagavad Gita is a classic and fascinating read. I recommend the translation by Eknath Easwaran. But one of my personal favorites is the much more contemporary Path of the Urban Mystic by San Francisco yoga teacher Darren Main (one of my first teachers). It details the eight limbs (ash-tanga) of yoga in very accessible format. Check it out on his website: http://www.darrenmain.com/.
Can you describe some of the different styles of yoga?
Many styles of yoga have evolved over the years. However, they all have their roots in the same set of asanas (poses) and they all share the universal intention of fundamental yogic practice, which is to prepare the body for meditation. Where they diverge is in approach to breath, alignment, and the length of time the poses are held. They also diverge in terms of the use of props, music or chanting and the teaching of yogic philosophy. Below are some general definitions and descriptions of Yoga classes in the Bay Area:
Hatha Yoga This is an umbrella term for all forms of yoga. "Hatha" listed by itself, as opposed to "hatha flow," usually refers to a slower paced class that focuses on breath, and holds the asanas (poses) for a bit longer than the flow classes. In terms of content and level, it will vary from teacher to teacher, and class to class. Integral yoga and Iyengar yoga are both generally non-flowing classes. This is the broadest descriptor for a yoga class; it can mean many things.
Flow, Hatha Flow, Power Flow, and Vinyasa These are all variations on the theme of sequencing asanas (poses) together with the use of breath. I like to call it "meditation in motion." Poses are typically held for 3 to 5 breaths and music is frequently used to enhance the flowing, dance-like experience of the practice. Ashtanga and Anusara are both flowing forms of yoga.
Restorative Yoga In restorative yoga, attention is paid to allowing the body to release all tension by surrendering into poses for long periods of time (up to 15 minutes each), with the assistance of many props. Restorative classes provide a very therapeutic environment for the body, mind and soul. Some forms of restorative yoga include gentle stretching in addition to the long-held resting poses. Others, like Judith Lassater's Relax & Renew yoga, focus entirely on tension release, without the action of stretching. I recommend that every yoga student infuse their practice with restorative yoga from time to time. It is blissful!
Ashtanga Yoga Ashtanga yoga originated in Mysore, South India under the teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya as taught to Sri K. Pattabi Jois and others (including B.N.S Iyengar - my teacher in Mysore) in the early 1900s. It is a rigorous flowing sequence of asanas taught with almost exclusive focus on the breath.
Anusara Yoga Anusara founder John Friend has done a beautiful job of integrating a heart-centered approach to practicing yoga with very useful techniques for finding and maintaining alignment (using his "Universal Principles of Alignment"). The classes can either flow or not, but - because the use of heart-centered language helps the student connect mind, body and spirit - the experience tends to be quite meditative.
Iyengar Yoga Focusing strongly on physical alignment, this form of yoga blossomed in Pune, India, under the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, student of Sri Krishnamacharya. It's a form of yoga that is wonderful for all beginners, and for any student looking to enhance their own practice with precision in healthy body alignment. Poses are held for longer periods of time and props are a major component to assist students in finding good alignment.
Other styles of yoga you may have heard of include Viniyoga (Sri T.K.V. Desikachar), Kripalu (Amrit Desai), Jivamukti (David Life and Sharon Gannon), Forrest Yoga (Anna Forrest), Yin and Bikram yoga, and many others. For more information, please visit your local yoga studio or online library (a.k.a. "Google").
How do I choose a style that's right for me?
Over time and with consistency, yoga encourages personal growth on many levels: You'll gain physical strength and stamina, energy, flexibility of body and mind, and mental clarity, to name a few. So find a studio that's convenient to your home or workplace, making yoga easier to integrate into your routine. Start with a style that sounds interesting to you, and try it for several classes. Then try another style. Notice how you feel during and after each class. Some classes will be inspiring, leaving you with a feeling of elation and calm. Some will be difficult, but will leave you feeling strong and grounded. You'll leave others feeling fatigued and discouraged. Some classes will stir-up some of the "muck" in your life - muck from issues which have been hiding inside your heart and tissues, and which no longer serve you. As you explore different styles and teachers, you'll be drawn to choosing the "right" one(s) for you based on your own growing self-awareness.
How do I choose a teacher?
I recommend choosing a teacher(s) who inspires you and whom you trust. Talk to other students; see what they have to say. Apart from a teacher's yoga and teaching style, I suggest finding out about their values, ethics, attention to safety, and empathy - the degree to which you feel they embody their teaching. But don't be too dogmatic. It's always great to check out new teachers and styles. If you show up to a "favorite" class and there's a substitute teacher there, open your heart, unroll your mat, and check it out! You might learn something totally new and glorious. I learn something from every teacher I practice with, whether I actually "love" his or her approach to yoga or not is almost incidental.
How many days per week should I do yoga?
For beginners, my general rule of thumb is to practice at least every other day. This will allow your body time to rest, but not to return to lethargy. You'll build strength and flexibility more quickly and the practice will pull you in - then watch out! Of course, more experienced yogis can practice daily, though it is recommended to practice gently or not at all during the full moon.
Is it okay to practice yoga during menstruation?
In traditional times, women would completely refrain from practicing yoga during menstruation. If you prefer to practice, however, I recommend practicing gently, with an understanding and honoring of your body's needs and energy level. Inversions should be avoided, however, so that the natural out-flow of fluids is not discouraged.
Is it safe to do yoga while injured?
Clearly, this depends on the kind of injury. In spite of your zeal to practice, sometimes laying low is the best solution - to give the body time to restore itself. However, if you plan to practice, talk with your doctor first. Also, always let the teacher know if you're dealing with an injury - even if you know how to modify poses to account for it during the class. Most teachers can help you figure out alternatives to poses or sequences that could otherwise exacerbate your injury.
What are the benefits of a private yoga session?
Private yoga sessions can be just the right step towards stabilizing you in your practice, whether you're new to yoga, or already a dedicated practitioner. • New students receiving one-on-one support can become familiar with the basic poses presented in group yoga classes, Sanskrit terminology, the proper manner of breathing to support a healthy practice, and flow sequences typical of many yoga classes. Furthermore, students will begin to understand their own body's strengths and limitations, and will learn ways to modify poses to ensure a safe and healthy practice, whether at home in front of a yoga video, or in a classroom full of other students.
• Dedicated practitioners will receive verbal and physical adjustments for proper alignment (in many cases unlearning poor habits resulting from long-term attendance in large classes), more specific attention to drishti (focal point), and injury prevention techniques that aren't always available to students in larger class settings. These dedicated practitioners will also have an opportunity to fine-tune their use of pranayama (breath-work) to enhance their asana practice.
• People with injuries from yoga or elsewhere, or with limitations resulting from conditions such as scoliosis or sciatica, can benefit enormously from solo time with an instructor. Students learn modifications to suit their unique capacities, so that they may join a larger class with enough skill and knowledge to stay healthy and feel great throughout and beyond each practice.
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Thai massage is sometimes called Thai Yoga Massage because it integrates techniques similar to acupressure and shiatsu with passive stretching, moving clients in and out of various yoga poses. The pressure work, stretching, and joint manipulations are exhilarating and serve to relax and invigorate the body both physically and energetically.
Thai massage works to release blockages in the major meridians, also called energy lines or Nadis, which run throughout the human body. In this way, it can help prevent illness by helping to dissolve blocks before they manifest psychologically or physically. It also improves flexibility. Injured athletes, yogis, and dancers, as well as those suffering from handicaps or stress (essentially, anyone and everyone!) can benefit greatly from this form of massage.
Thai massage is traditionally practiced on a futon or mat. Clients should wear loose lightweight clothing. Alternatively, oils and massage creams can also be used, integrating some Swedish and deep tissue technique into the experience.
Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head (including the face and the belly) the client's body will be moved, loosened and stretched. It's a gift for the body, mind and spirit. (1.5 to 2 hours is recommended.)
Uma received her certification in Thai Massage at the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mei, Thailand in 2000. |
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A woman's body goes through enormous, sometimes overwhelming changes during pregnancy. As the tiny fetus grows inside its mother's womb, excitement often mixes with anxiety, causing unwanted stress in the body. This form of prenatal massage integrates massage techniques such as stretching, pressing, lifting, extending and rotating muscles, skin and joints to create space in the body for the baby to grow with ease. Women who receive periodic prenatal massage during pregnancy will have increased body awareness, a release of tension, and more joy for the duration of the pregnancy.
Clients rest on each side of their body and in a semi-reclining seat using blankets, pillow and bolsters for support. It's done on a standard massage table.
(1 to 1.5 hours is recommended.)
Uma received State-approved certification in Pregnancy Massage from Mariah Blackwolf at the Institute of Conscious Bodywork, in San Anselmo, California in 2004. |
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Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is an ancient Japanese Healing Art which means "Spiritual Universal Life Energy." Reiki is a form of laying-on of hands (clients remain clothed) to balance and heal the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
The Usui System of Reiki is channeled through the practitioner's hands into his or her own body or into another body (person, animal, or plant). Reiki clears, straightens and brings energy pathways into balance, allowing one's life force to flow in a natural, healthy way.
Uma received her Reiki level 1 attunement from Reiki Masters Adine Joy Michaels and Kerstin Marie Wheale in 2004. For additional information, visit http://www.rainbowserpent.org/. |
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Copyright ©
• Amy Kahn
Website design and development by Amy Kahn
Artwork by Paul Taylor of Sacred Rose Tattoo, San Francisco |
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