Why do Go Yoga?
Yoga is so much more than just physical exercise. Yoga teaches you how to integrate your mind, body and breath, which calms the nervous system and strengthens and cleanses the internal and external body.
Go Yoga is a fun, lively and dynamic style of yoga which improves the functioning and structure of the body.
Go Yoga is the only school in the Newcastle area which teaches the Ryoho Yoga Style (Japanese Functional Yoga Therapy), developed by Andrzej Gospodarczyk and based on the teachings of Master Masahiro Oki (1919-85, of Oki-do Yoga).
This dynamic therapeutic style integrates traditional Hatha yoga postures with meridian-based therapy. The meridians are the energy channels which run over the whole body and move vital energy (Ki, Chi, Qi) throughout the body. This yoga style offers a way for individuals to work to correct their structural and functional imbalances.
Using repetitive movements, body awareness and breath work, Go Yoga will improve your body function, health and wellbeing.
Go Yoga can assist in managing the discomforts of common health issues such as:
Go Yoga therapy can be of great assistance to sports persons and athletes in preventing injury, balancing use/overuse of muscle groups and relieving repetitive strain.
Go Yoga also offers prenatal yoga classes .
Yoga for the seasons
Go Yoga uses Five Element theory to interpret the relationship between the health and wellbeing of the human body and the natural environment.
Yoga classes are taught according to the principles of Five Element theory as follows:
Spring relates to the Wood element, which creates our liver and gallbladder functions. With the expanding energy of spring, we need to have the ability to CHANGE and to FLEXIBLE. Classes also work on the tendons, joints, immune system, and vision. Foods to feed the body in spring are sour foods - ie immature plants like sprouts and leafy green vegies, and oil to nourish the joints.
Summer relates to the Fire element. Classes focus on four meridians - heart, small intestine, heart constrictor (the pericardium, arteries and veins) and triple heater (lymphatic system). Limitless energy is available during this phase, which creates possibilities of power, strength, joy, creation and destruction. Summer foods are abundant, so eat mature, ripe vegies, bitter-sweet grains like millet and corn, and flour products. Steam or lightly boil food.
Late summer relates to the Earth element, which relates to stomach, spleen and pancreatic functions. Stomach meridian provides all the cyclic patterns of the body, and tells you when to eat and how much. Spleen/pancreas meridian regulates the entire digestive system and allows us to receive nourishment and feel satisfied. As a season of change, it is most obvious between summer and autumn. Any food supports the Earth element when properly prepared and chewed very well. The taste is sweet, which is the end result of digestion. In particular, go for yellow, orange, or round vegies and well cooked grains.
Autumn relates to the Metal element, which relates to large intestine and lung function. As a contractive phase, this is the season of appropriate and easy elimination of unwanted energy, ideas and substances from the body. Metal foods have a pungent flavour which aids the body in elimination. Fermented or pickled foods are good, as are wholegrains, seeds and nuts. Miso, tamari, shoyu build gut flora. Cruciferous vegies like broccoli and cauliflower support lung function.
Winter relates to the Water element, which creates the bladder and kidneys. This phase maintains the structure and stability in our body (relating to our spine, nervous system and sense of identity). The endocrine and reproductive systems are also governed. In winter, the body is supported by long-time cooking and the use of unrefined sea salt in cooking. Adzuki beans build kidney function. Soups, stews and casseroles warm the body in winter.
For more information about food-as-medicine, refer to the "Wholefood Healing" and "Recipes" pages.
Go Yoga uses Five Element theory to interpret the relationship between the health and wellbeing of the human body and the natural environment.
Yoga classes are taught according to the principles of Five Element theory as follows:
For more information about food-as-medicine, refer to the "Wholefood Healing" and "Recipes" pages.