In yoga, we speak of Sangha, a gathering of people who walk a shared path, who choose again and again to practice in a way that uplifts not only themselves but the collective whole. A Sangha is not defined by walls or geography; it’s defined by the steady presence of individuals who show up with curiosity, courage, tenderness, and a willingness to grow.
For students who have attended at least one of our Osteoporosis and Yoga workshops, we’re excited to offer a unique 7-session experiential workshop that blend Yin/Yang poses and movements designed to target specific fascial lines in the body.
In many ways, interoception is the bridge between our body and our mind. It allows us to notice sensations that signal our emotional states, physiological needs, and overall wellbeing. When our interoceptive awareness is well-developed, we’re more attuned to what our body is telling us, which can guide us toward healthier choices, emotional regulation, and even pain reduction.
Summer is a season of expansion - longer days, warmer nights, and a chance to open ourselves to the full and abundant energy. Summer invites us to embrace the vibrant qualities of the season: growth, activity, and celebration. Yet with all this outward energy, it’s easy to get caught in the busyness of “doing” and forget the value of “being.”
Imagine practicing yoga surrounded by the delicate beauty of spring—wildflowers nodding gently in the breeze, the scent of fresh herbs and tea leaves in the air. This is the magic of the Tea House, where nature and mindfulness intertwine to create a space for deep connection. We invite you to embrace the season’s rising energy in our April yoga series.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Autoimmune diseases are caused by the person’s own immune system mistakenly attacking a portion of their own body. It is unknown what causes this to be triggered. RA causes inflammation and damage to joints and can also affect other organs such as the heart and lungs. This leads to reduced ability to do normal activities such as buttoning clothing
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than six months and can interfere with quality of life and the ability to perform at work or home. Western medicine frequently prescribes pain relief for chronic pain, including a potentially risky opioid, rather than addressing causes or involving the patient in taking control of their bodies to assist in their own recovery or resolution of pain.
Depression is a common mental illness with around 8% of Americans afflicted. Depression results from a complex interaction between biological, social, and psychological factors. Individuals who have gone through negative life events such as unemployment, the death of a loved one, or trauma have higher incidents. Common treatments include a combination of medication and/or therapy. Although effective, this methodology may not be a good choice for everyone, and some remain with symptoms despite treatment.
Dogwood Studio is continuing the theme for vagus nerve toning with new workshops and weekly On Demand classes! For a reminder of why vagus nerve toning yoga is beneficial, check out our blog here.
Why Vagus Nerve Yoga?
Your body needs a fine-tuned balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to maintain a healthy body and mind. The sympathetic nervous system constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic nervous system dilates blood vessels and lowers heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is stimulated in times of stress and is the cause of the “fight-or-flight” response. The vagus nerve is the primary pathway for the parasympathetic nervous system, which can be thought of as a “rest and digest” response.
Headaches are a common source of frustration, disability, and loss of productivity. Migraines are the third most prevalent disorder and the seventh highest cause of disability according to this source. A randomized study published in the American Academy of Neurology showed that yoga is helpful in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Stress is ever-present in our lives, and during the pandemic, many of us are feeling greater stress, anxiety, and even a feeling of loss. A great way to cope with stress and manage negative feelings is mindfulness and yoga. Being mindful is a great way to reconnect with the body and become present in the moment, thus reducing focusing on negative emotions. This article in The New York Times suggests some poses and breathing exercises to help mindfulness and thus reducing stress. (Remember to be safe and adjust poses to your health and body.)
What are on demand yoga classes? Yoga sessions are pre-recorded, and you will have access to view the video for a certain amount of time at your convenience.
On Demand classes will be offered two ways:
Weekly with availability for 7 days after the "start time." Each week starts on Sundays at 9 a.m. The first week starts May 31st, and
For special times when the teacher is on vacation or for special recorded events like workshops or master classes. The timeframe for the video availability for these On Demand sessions is set specifically for that event.
