Many names
Many forms
All one

Yoga & Psychology

All esoteric traditions, wherever they originate from, have in their essence to open us up into clarity. They help us remove our blocks, shadows, ignorance so we may feel light, confident and connected.

The body holds all what we disconnect from, push away or deny and speaks to as in its language. With movement and breathwork the body helps the mind voice and hold what requires to come up in order for us to feel aligned and gain health.

Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the event itself. They arise when residual energy from the experience is not discharged from the body. This energy remains trapped in the nervous system where it can create havoc on our bodies and minds.

Peter Levine, Ph.D

Somatic Experiencing

What is trauma ?

Trauma is an internal straightjacket created when a devastating moment is frozen in time. It strifes the unfolding of being, and strangles our attempts to move forward with our lives.

Trauma disconnects us from our selves, others, nature and spirit. When overwhelmed by threat, we are frozen in fear, as though our instinctive survival energies were all dressed up with nowhere to go. Not every scary situation results in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD occurs when a person confronts a perceived or real threat that leaves her feeling overwhelmed and helpless and unable to defend herself.  As Freud pointed out many years ago, trauma results when there is a breach in the stimulus barrier and the excessive stimulus or over 

arousal becomes unmanageable and out of control. This excess stimulus becomes bound into generally predictable symptoms in the body and leads to a state of deregulation in the nervous system.

Somatic Experiencing is a designed to support the nervous system regaining its balance. 

Numerous experiments have been undertaken to show us the healing power of frequency, the physical effects of sound on our cells, our organs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Chinese medicine is a health system that believes in balance of mind, body and environment. Taoists believe that the body is a microcosm of the universe, interactive and interdependent, in relation between man and nature. The preservation of health depends on the integrity of the body and its relationship with the outside world.

In Chinese medicine the approach is individualized, that is to say the individual, even if two people have the same symptom or the same disease, they can have a totally different treatment depending on the pathology. In Western medicine, there is usually a standard treatment for the same disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) wants to discover the root cause that is causing the discomfort or symptom in order to resolve it. If we only treat the symptom, it will keep coming back and the root problem will only create more symptoms.

In our modern world, we are always busy, connected and always on the move. It expands our Qi (vital energy). When we heal or when we want to improve our health, we must save our Qi and take care of ourselves. We find it difficult to really relax and we have lost the importance of restorative rest, meditation or cooking…

The mind and body are one unit, supporting each other. When there is a symptom such as anxiety in TCM, we also treat the associated organ system which is the spleen and stomach. Now, modern medicine understands the connection between the mind and the gut, in TCM practiced for thousands of years.

Acupressure is one of the oldest healing methods in the world.

Acupressure has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is one of the oldest healing methods in the world. Acupressure refers to the stimulation of acupuncture points without puncturing the skin, but by massaging. The term comes from Latin and is composed of “acus” which means needle and “premere” – pressure.

The fields of application of acupressure are multiple. This method can help relieve or eliminate physical pain or mental disorders, can be used as a preventive measure against diseases and can support healing processes – with virtually no side effects. It is particularly suitable for people who are afraid of needles since it is practiced without them.

Like acupuncture, acupressure is used to mobilize the self-healing forces of the body. This is done by targeted massage of acupressure points which are often found on the meridians of the body or trigger points which mark the origin points of pain. The relevant reflex zones are often found on the connective tissue fascia, which are massaged and stimulated by pressure stimuli. The thumb, the palm of the hand, the elbow or the knee.

Acupressure and Qigong Tuina:

for acute and chronic pain, digestive problems, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression. Acupressure can be a very gentle and soothing experience that regulates the whole body through the nervous system.

Psycho-Physical Release Session

Comprehensive treatments can provide deep emotional release, bringing change and growth on all levels. Physical, mental and spiritual. These treatments are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, muscle tension patterns and the belief that emotions are the internal cause of pain and illness. Subtle changes and opening new doors allow for a fuller expression of life and creativity with less fear, less tension and more peace.

Restorative-Regulatory Session

Treatment designed for deep rest, diving into layers of unconsciousness. This treatment addresses each organ system and taps into the extraordinary meridians that contain vast reserves of energy. Its effect is similar to savasana in yoga.

Moxibustion in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Moxa therapy or thermotherapy is a treatment method used in traditional Chinese Medicine. Moxibustion is a holistic and effective therapy that can be used to relieve a large number of disorders and has long proven its worth in the treatment of illness, in particular “cold illnesses”. This method of treatment is one of the oldest practices in Chinese medicine.
The heat generated during the combustion of mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) is used to mobilize the self-healing forces of the body. The objective is to restore the inner energy balance between Yin and Yang, the Qi, which is disturbed by illness. Moxibustion is used especially for yin-like illnesses and illnesses caused by cold and damp, but also for deficiency type illnesses, such as chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, depression and fatigue.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an oil scraping technique that is very common in TCM practitioners, especially in Asia. Blood flow and metabolic processes in skin, muscle, fascia and connective tissue are stimulated using hand-sized tools such as jade or horn scrapers that scrape the skin from affected areas. As some pressure is required, a massage oil is usually applied to the skin beforehand to ensure an even glide of the scrapers. This connective tissue massage may cause discoloration of the treated areas, but no serious injury; in principle, the Gua Sha is made with objects and tools with rounded edges.

Facial Yoga & Gua Sha, Cranial massage: A great way to enhance natural beauty and get rid of tension in the face and throat that can cause an aged appearance. It can also help relieve neck pain, jaw pain and headaches.

Cupping

Chinese cupping has been part of the arsenal of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. They are used to stimulate blood circulation. The lymph, and the energy in the body. Bell-shaped or cylinder-shaped suction cups are placed on the skin at acupuncture points along the meridians, and more generally “at places felt to be painful”. By vacuum effect under the bell, the exert a suction of the skin and the muscle of the targeted area, in order to relax and relieve congestion. The influx of the blood that appears on the surface of the skin at the level of the area under the bell is a normal phenomenon. Cupping causes blood to rise, usually a sign of a lot of impurities, to drain toxins. Recommend their use in case of: back pain, lumbago, headaches when the neck is stiff, tendinitis, sprains, tingling related to carpal tunnel, cramps, sport recovery, stress, sleep disorders, cellulite, digestive disorders, skin problems.

Cupping and Moxibustion Therapy: For pain, tension, fatigue, congestion. It can also be combined with acupressure.

“You can’t teach people anything. We can only help them to discover that they already have within them all that is to be learned".

Galileo

FAQ:

Your first appointment:

We will discuss your medical history, as well as any treatments you have undergone or are currently receiving. This information will allow me to determine a better treatment plan.

What does acupressure feel like? Acupressure causes a variety of sensations, some which may seem strange and unique. People often describe feeling strong pressure of sensations that radiate heat or cold. Sometimes no sensation is felt. The sensations that occur may be more intense – you may feel muscle contraction as the muscle contracts and then relaxes. After stimulation, the muscles tend to relax immediately with a reduction in pain and stiffness.

How will I feel after receiving acupressure?

Once the acupressure points are stimulated, you can relax and let the treatment integrate into your body. Many people feel deeply relaxed after treatments, while others may feel energized. It is best if you can take some time off and rest after the session to give your body time to integrate the treatment in the most effective way.

Taking a warm bath and drinking plenty of water will help relieve any tension that may result from the acupressure release. While receiving acupressure, you may notice improvements in your sleep patterns, appetite, digestion, and emotions, even if these are not symptoms implicated in your primary complaint. This is an indication that your body is accepting the healing process and improving function.

How many treatments will I need?

The benefits of acupressure tend to be cumulative, working through layers of disharmony in order to achieve balance. I recommend a cure or 10 treatments over 2 month and monthly follow-up treatments.

The treatments offered on this site are non-conventional and in no way dispense with medical monitoring provided by your attending physician. Chinese Medicine is complementary to Western Medicine and in no way replaces our modern medicine.

Meditation

Meditating with guidance from a teacher, offers you the chance to gain useful tools as well as support while shedding any of the fears or expectations you may have about meditation.

Practicing and exchanging with a teacher helps to keep you motivated to practice over time. To gain insight and to unpack what comes up as well as vary the tools used depending on how life is on any given moment and the challenges that are present.

Meditation has been reputed to help with everything from improving sleep, focus and the immune system to ease anxiety, stress, depression and pain.

Meditation helps you find that place of spaciousness where decision making can take place. It forms a powerful inroad to your wisdom nature. Over time meditation develops inner resilience, deep strength, confidence, faith and a profound sense of peace, joy and freedom.  

Mindfulness

“In Asian languages, the word for ‘mind’ and the word for ‘heart’ are the same.

So if you’re not hearing mindfulness in some deep way as heartfulness, you’re not really understanding it. Compassion and kindness towards oneself are intrinsically woven into it.

You could think of mindfulness as wise and affectionate attention.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness means paying attention to this moment, releasing the past and not fantasizing about the future.

It gives rise to deep strength that paves the way to compassion and connection, hence living a happy life.

The insula and empathy

Scientific research using brain imaging (MRI) has shown that the insula becomes energised by meditation. This is hugely significant because this part of the brain is integral to our sense of human connectedness as it helps to mediate empathy in a very real and visceral way.

Empathy allows you to see into another’s soul, as it were, helping you to understand the predicament ‘from the inside’. With it comes true compassion and loving kindness.

Compassion, true loving-kindness

If you looked inside your brain using a scanner you would see this area buzz with life when you are feeling empathy for another person.

Meditation not only strengthens this area, but also helps it to grow and expand.

But why is this important? Apart from being good for society and all humanity, empathy is good for YOU.

Empathy and feeling genuine compassion and loving-kindness toward yourself and others have hugely beneficial effects on health and well-being.

Why Meditate? Science Says…

I’ve learned that starting small is good enough. Just softening a little when you are feeling frustrated, just reaching out to someone when you’d rather be alone, just trying when all you feel is resistance.

When you work with your thoughts and attitudes, little by little, you can change your life and your world for the better.

This is why the discipline of meditation has tremendous transformational power. Just to come back to the breath is a revolutionary act that affects every aspect of your life. 

  • LESS DEPRESSION, STRESS + ANXIETY: Studies conducted at the University of California show that Meditation practiced for 5 months, decreases brain responses to stress and pain by a comparable 40–50%.
  • MORE WELLBEING + COMPASSION: Harvard University found out that short, daily meditation practices lead to growth of the gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with wellbeing and compassion while the areas associated with stress and pain actually shrink.
  • IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY + FOCUS: In a 2012 study conducted at the University of Washington,researchers found that meditation leads to a significant improvement in concentration and to time being used more efficiently.
  • HIGHER EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE + BETTER SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: Stanford Medical School found an increase of up to 40% in compassion (for yourself and others) which leads to better social connections and emotional intelligence — after a steady practice of meditation for only 9 weeks.
  • NO MORE LONELINESS: Researchers at UCLA report that meditating for just 30 minutes a day reduces the feeling of loneliness.
  • BETTER QUALITY OF SLEEP: The University of Utah discovered that meditation helps you sleep better as a result of lower cognitive and physiological activation at bedtime.
  • INCREASED ATTENTIVENESS: A study conducted by the University of Kentucky revealed that meditation increases the performance on tests that measure attention — even after the subjects had lost a night’s sleep!
  • Other studies show that meditation has incredible physical benefits as well such as:
    • lowering high blood pressure by 40 – 60
    • increasing your immune function
    • decreasing inflammation at a cellular level
    • improving ADH
    • preventing heart attacks + strokes

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ― Rumi

Counselling / mentoring

Drawing from western psychology and eastern psycho spiritual techniques we create a mandala of practices to support and bring well being and inquiry. We listen to the body’s messages and wisdom and with a deep sense of support and shouldering we bring light into the ways we maybe keeping ourselves disconnected from our inner and outer worlds.

In the mentoring sessions the teacher offers a place where emptying occurs which leads to inspiration, self confidence and increased capacity and quality of practice.

Nathalie is a qualified mentor with the Insight Yoga Institute (more information) and has experience in shouldering teachers around the world.

“Healing is every breath.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Breathwork

Pranayama
Breathing with consciousness

Breath is essential to life. It is the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do when we leave. In between that time, we take about half a billion breaths. What we may not realize is that the mind, body, and breath are intimately connected and can influence each other. Our breathing is influenced by our thoughts, and our thoughts and physiology can be influenced by our breath. Learning to breathe consciously and with awareness can be a valuable tool in helping to restore balance in the mind and body.

Researchers have documented the benefits of a regular practice of simple, deep breathing which include:

  • Reduced anxiety and depression
  • Lower/stabilized blood pressure
  • Increased energy levels
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Decreased feelings of stress and overwhelm

In the medical community, there is a growing appreciation for the positive impact that deep breathing can have on the physiology, both in the mind and the body. According to the research, many of these beneficial effects can be attributed to reducing the stress response in the body. To understand how this works, let’s look at the stress response in more detail.

Pranayama as a Tool to Counter Stress

When you experience stressful thoughts, your sympathetic nervous system triggers the body’s ancient fight-or-flight response, giving you a burst of energy to respond to the perceived danger. Your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, and you primarily breathe from the chest and not the lower lungs. This can make you feel short of breath, which is a common symptom when you feel anxious or frustrated. At the same time, your body produces a surge of hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), which increase your blood pressure and pulse rate and put you in a revved up state of high alert.

With deep breathing, you can reverse these symptoms instantly and create a sense of calm in your mind and body. When you breathe deeply and slowly, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which reverses the stress response in your body. Deep breathing stimulates the main nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system—the vagus nerve—slowing down your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure, and calming your body and mind.

In addition, with deep breathing, you engage the abdominal muscles and diaphragm instead of the muscles in the upper chest and neck. This conditioning of the respiratory muscles results in improved efficiency of oxygen exchange with every breath by allowing more air exchange to occur in the lower lungs. It also reduces strain on the muscles of the neck and upper chest, allowing these muscles to relax. In short, deep breathing is more relaxing and efficient, allowing higher volumes of oxygen to reach the body’s cells and tissues.

As well as reversing the physical stress response in the body, deep breathing can help calm and slow down the emotional turbulence in the mind. Breathing can have an immediate effect on diffusing emotional energy so there is less reactivity to our emotions.

Teacher support

Teaching is a challenging personal growth process and assistance is required to help the teacher on a personal as well as on a professional level.
Whether just out of a teacher training or an experienced teacher, we need support and exchange. Discussing ideas, questions, ways to go forward, injuries, professional and personal issues.
The stress of being, falling into the role or image of the ‘perfect’ yoga teacher may be detrimental for all concerned. Continuous inquiry and support is necessary, in the same format as done in the other professions such as psychoanalysis.

Designed and powered by POSITIVE designlab.

Follow Us  —