The Beauty of Backbending!

This past weekend, my adorable friend, Sami Te, joined us from Asheville to lead a backbending workshop.  Sami Te is a yoga instructor, a fire dancer, an aerialist, and a physical therapy student.  She's great at what she does, and you can check out more at http://www.samiterocks.com/.    But on Saturday, she led an awesome workshop, here at Mountain Yoga.  She began with a brief introduction of the musculature involved in backbending, and a discussion of agonist & antagonist muscles (actor & reactor), to make our practice safer & more effective.  Then we had a beautiful practice, with almost all the backbending poses I know, plus some Q & A time at the end.  We had a nice crowd here, and the atmosphere was light & fun.  Sami Te's energy made it such an enjoyable experience.  After class, many of the students enjoyed asking about & seeing several of her tattoos.  Overall, it was a great workshop, and we're hoping to have her teach here again sometime.  Personally, I got an excellent workout, and achieved some of my best backbends ever.   Thanks so much, Sami Te!

Cranio-Sacral Therapy

Last week, I had the greatest therapy experience!  I went to Barbara Dray at East Tennessee Medical Massage, just up the hill from the yoga studio.  Despite (or maybe because of) the many classes I teach, my hips have been rotated for months, which causes some pain to my low back.  Barb, who also does a great massage, tried CranioSacral therapy on me. 
I was not very familiar with CST, so she sent me some info from the Upledger Institute.  In the late seventies, Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician, developed a system where the practitioner uses a gentle hand pressure to help release restrictions in the craniosacral system, and thereby improving the function of the central nervous system.  CST is used in many applications, and to treat many diseases.
As for my experience:  Barbara used a very gentle touch, primarily on my left hip.  My job was to relax and breathe.  The first time she did CST on me, I felt, very clearly, one of my hip adductor muscles release.  Amazing.  The second time, I believe the treatment allowed my hips to come out of their rotation.  They aren't perfect, but much, much better than before.
If you are interested in CranioSacral therapy, you can contact Barbara Dray at http://www.dreamweaverha.com/
Have a great week!
Jennifer

Daytime Mountain Yoga

Me, on TV!
Last Friday, Mountain Yoga was blessed to be featured on Daytime Tricities, a local talk show.  I was able to take just a few minutes and show the hostess, Amy Lynn, how to do Vir 1 & 2 (warriors).  It was awesome.  Spread the yoga...spread the love!

Check it out here:
http://www.daytimetricities.com/tri/lifestyles/article/mountain_yoga_strikes_a_pose/50508