Individuals
In a private session, Monica customizes a sequence of poses designed to address the individual's specific needs and level of yoga experience. Part of the initial assessment of a student includes any past/present injuries, ailments or physical limitations. She adapts the practice to the amount of yoga experience an individual has. She then meets with the student to practice the customized sequence of poses on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to help the client to heal an injury or to develop overall strength and flexibility. In order to further tailor the practice to an individual, she uses props such as blocks, blankets, and straps.
She has worked with people suffering from a range of ailments from chronic back pain to shoulder problems to recovering from knee surgery, as well as depression and anxiety. In this way, yoga has broad-reaching applications and benefits similar to physical therapy. Even though the body benefits as well, the intention is to promote an overall sense of well-being, to provide mental clarity and encourage self-awareness through the practice of the asana.
Yoga allows people the opportunity to learn better self-care habits, to cultivate inner peace, and to take time for rest and relaxation. All of these things provide a chance to create the space in which to heal. This leads to a better sense of ease, health and well-being within the body and mind.
Pre/Post-Natal
Monica has safely taught yoga to several pregnant women throughout their pregnancies right up to their delivery date. Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life when she needs to take time to take good care of herself. This includes allowing time for adequate rest, as well as strengthening the body in preparation to give birth.
Iyengar yoga provides a practice that meets a new mother's physical, mental and emotional needs that change on a daily basis. As the baby grows, so does a woman's need for rest, relaxation, and comfort.
Through the use of specially modified poses, carefully chosen sequences and props, pregnant women are given the extra attention they need. Monica teaches pregnant women how to create physical space for their developing baby, how to build the strength and endurance required for the delivery, and how to regulate her own breath for the birthing process.
After the baby is born, it is important that a new mother take the necessary time to rest before resuming her yoga practice. Once a woman is a able to resume her practice, Monica continues to provide the space for a woman to rest and renew her body. Then gradually, through the use of specific poses and sequences, she aids the new mother in returning to a state of health, strength and fitness comparable to that of pre-pregnancy.
Seniors
Monica has worked with several seniors students to regain a sense of youthful vitality through the use of yoga.
As we age, the body undergoes certain changes, the joints stiffen and the metabolism slows down.
Mr. Iyengar says that "we are as young as the juiciness of our joints!"
Iyengar yoga gives us tools to manage these changes so that we can grow older gracefully and ease the discomfort of some of the effects of aging, such as unhealthy postural habits, high blood pressure, and arthritis. It is never too late to begin a yoga practice and to regain a better quality of life.
Monica will tailor your practice so that you receive maximum benefit to look and feel your best at any age!
"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured" -B.K.S. Iyengar