Dogwood Studio has been focusing classes on different yoga archetypes. If you are not familiar with what this means, an archetype is “the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies (Merriam-Webster). An archetypal approach to yoga is where yoga poses or movements are categorized based on their target during use. Poses and movements can fall under more than one archetype. An archetype has a primary target of certain myofascial groups and skeletal segments. Paul and Suzee Grilley (link HERE) pioneered this approach to yoga. Yoga poses and movements are meant to target certain areas, and archetype poses connect intention to the pose. This approach does not focus on the look of the pose but the function or target, and therefore accommodates many differences between each of us in our skeleton and in out fascia. At Dogwood Studio, we expand the archetypes to overlap with the major groups of fascial planes in the body.
There are many variations of the archetype pose that target the same area and some cover more space along a connected fascial plane(s). A well-trained teacher can help you choose a variation best suited for you with modifications to help you feel the target. Honor your body’s medical history when practicing yoga and do not do something that is uncomfortable. You should be able to relax while holding a pose. For example, all of these variations below can fall into the Saddle Archetype that target the front of the legs, hips, and abdomen. One or more of these may or may not work for you to feel the target. Some of these may work with modifications using props to decrease or increase the intensity. If you are not able to find a variation or modification that works for you, the yoga teacher can help you meet your needs. Read our blog on “Variations in Therapeutic Poses” (HERE) for additional information.
We have written about the health of your fascia in past blogs, such as “Using Fascia Inner Body Communication Qualities to Promote Improved Well-Being” (read more HERE). Archetype-focused yoga can help improve the glide of your fascia in the target area. The saddle archetype targets where normal sitting in a chair does not, so this pose is helpful to open these areas and can help train our nerves to relax.
For years, SAM Sather, a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) has been working with yoga participants with various medical histories as well as on how to safely guide participants through a carefully chosen practice based on their unique person. As a yoga therapist, SAM individualizes the practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories. She offers several live, online class in yoga as well as weekly recorded On Demand classes. SAM also offers private sessions so you can focus on your needs one on one.
Click on the link HERE to sign-up and go to the ‘Classes’ tab to sign-up for any sessions, including Yin Yoga, Joint Freeing Yoga, and Mindful Movement & Yoga Classes.
For the latest schedule on the website, click HERE.
On Demand Line-up for December 13th through 21st & available for signing up:
For more information about On Demand classes, visit our website page HERE or email us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com.