Our studio has a meditative ambience that invites you to explore the infinite possibilities of consciousness and to look inward to a treasure where knowledge reveals itself. We provide a safe atmosphere where cellular intelligence unfolds. The community of yoga practitioners who are attracted to the studio are full of vibrant colors. We have faith you will enjoy your experience here. Formats such as private, private prenatal, group lessons, workplace yoga, and young yogis birthday parties are all available upon request. Please inquire, we are happy to accommodate your request.
Acu Kundalini Yoga
Beginner Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga Flow
Ashtanga Yoga Flow with Abs & Meditation
Meditation
Prenatal Yoga
Young Yogis
MS Yoga
Karma Yoga
Family Yoga
Sattva Yoga
Acu Yin Yoga
The Ultimate Breath
› Acu-Kundalini Yoga ‹
At Acu-Harmony & Health, our philosophy of yoga is simple…yoga is yoga. We offer a warm and friendly atmosphere that allows you to feel safe and to experience your practice at your own rate. Yoga means “union”, the bringing together of the physical, emotional and spiritual parts of ourselves. Yoga is an ancient healing system, one of many ways to aid you on your path to liberation. We teach yoga in a traditional manner; we pull together techniques and philosophies from many styles and incorporate other healing modalities. Yoga, Acupressure and Ayuveda are three closely related sacred sciences. We named our style of yoga “Acu Kundalini Yoga” as we teach from these perspectives. All three healing forms address our entire nature, from physical health and well being to our greater life as spiritual and cosmic beings. The Kundalini energy is our primary focus. Kundalini is a serpent energy, a circular power or coiled force that is located in a reservoir at the base of the spine. There is a strong emphasis on the breath and bhandas in all classes.
An Acu Kundalini Yoga class progresses with themed sessions. Over a three-month period, two to three yoga sequences will be taught for variety, yet there is an element of repetition. An Acu Kundalini Yoga class may include:
Elements inspired by Forrest Yoga: Intense pose sequences are used with compassionate teaching to develop skills in awakening the senses. Use your breath to bring aliveness into every cell of your body. The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. We believe firmly in the basics of Forrest Yoga, and use them extensively in all of our classes. We believe in a strong and centered connection to the core strength. Forrest Yoga will ignite your passion for life and invite you to live your truth and breath in beauty.
“Our mission is to create in each of us a sense of freedom, a connection to our spirit and the courage to walk as our spirit dictates, thus, doing our part in “Mending the Hoop of the People”. Forrest Yoga will teach you to Go Deeper, finding your Truth. Then, you take these gifts you have earned Beyond the Mat into the rest of your life. “ — Ana Forrest.
Mudras: Mudras literally mean “seal” or “gesture”. By placing the hands, fingers and or body in a certain position we bring attention to certain pathways, systems, and organs of the body to encourage a cleaning, natural flow of energy within. Each of the fingers is associated with a certain planet and element pathway to an organ in the body.
Meditation: Dhyanna is the Sanskrit word for meditation. First, control the thoughts, possess concentration and the advanced stages will unfold. Meditation techniques can be viewed as mental and spiritual training.
Mantras: Mantras are a powerful and easy tool to focus and fine tune the mind. We chant in Sanskrit, North American Indian, and English.
Sound and Vibration: All life is in motion. Every atom of every molecule of every cell, in everything seen or unseen, vibrates because all life is energy. Each vibration is unique. Human beings each have their own unique vibration and like an orchestra, when all of the instruments are in tune with each other, the result is harmony. When the body and all of its parts are not in harmony, disease can be a result. Applying a sound or vibration to the body has the ability to influence it and bring it back into harmony. At Acu-Harmony & Health we work with sound and vibration in various forms such as: seven crystal bowls that are healing instruments made of natural quartz which offer a very pure tone similar to that of the human body; authentic Tibetan bowls made of nine metals that come straight from Tibet (we work with 18 bowls and two masters); and steel tuning forks that when tapped, produce pure musical intervals based on precise mathematical proportions known as Pythagorean tuning.
Ayurvedic Yoga: Ayurveda is a unique system of treatment that means “wisdom of life”. It works with lifestyle adjustments, diet, nutrition and herbs. It has a spiritual focus on yoga and meditation and is based on a 5000 year old system of medicine. By intertwining an Ayurveda practice of yoga according to the dosha type (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), asanas and pranayamas, all therapeutic requirements to change the imbalances of each individual are addressed. This approach gives each student a unique personalized experience and health regime.
Ancient Stretching: Rahul Bharti of The Healing Hands Center in Kathmandu, Nepal teaches a system of yoga that was created for the therapist of Thai Yoga Massage. It is a set of exercises for the practitioner to stay physically competent, without injury after practicing the massage for many years. We teach a 90-minute routine and a short form, involving standing, abdominal, side, back, and sitting sets to develop core strength and correct structural alignment. While these exercises are designed for a Thai massage practitioner, they have their place for other massage practitioners, martial artists, yoga practitioners, athletes, and anyone not wanting to complicate their life with too many exercises. The muscles become strong yet soft to allow for mobility and increased flexibility. Emphasis is placed on breathing and correct technique.
Chakras Balancing: Chakras means “spinning wheel” and are energy points that correspond with major nerve centers in the body that govern vital bodily functions.
Okido Yoga: “The breath that blows out the candle also ignites the fire.” Okido Yoga can be both dynamic and meditative. It was developed by MASAHIRO OKI (1921-1985) who had vital experiences in Indian Yoga, Eastern Healing, Zen and other Buddhistic studies as well as in martial arts. It is a unique approach to Hatha Yoga and an excellent class for conditioning. Okido Yoga is from Japan and emphasizes the development of strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation through movement and poses. Okido yoga is based upon traditional Hatha Yoga postures and elevates the body’s awareness through dynamic movement. Limbering up exercises are repeated 40-120 times in this system. Hara breathing is strong and forceful. The usual bonus in a two-day workshop is a three- to five-pound weight los. It is the most exhilarating experience! The class ends with Vipassana, a Zen walking/sitting meditation. Friedel Khattab is , at this time, the only Canadian Yoga Teacher who is certified by Masahiro Oki. Friedel Khattab is one of the many amazing teachers Deb and Lacie have studied with.
Pressure Point / Marama Therapy: Based on Acupressure and Ayurveda, points can be used in postures with very effective results.
Thai Yoga Massage: Originating in the temples of Northern India, Thai Yoga Massage is a dynamic therapy combining yoga and massage. This is integrated into how we teach Partner Yoga. A nice treat once in a while!
Surya Flow: A challenging set of postures brought together with breath to create one fluid movement from start to finish…a vinyasa flow.
Restorative: Very relaxing, using props, holding postures for long periods of time with balanced yin and yang.
Lectures: A few times a year, a small portion of the class is dedicated to a lecture and discussion on a topic of interest.
Body Rolling: Use hard rolls and balls of different sizes to massage.
Somatic Exercises: Slower movements work to bring the body into alignment. This helps to re-educate the neuromuscular system to release chronically tight muscles. The addition of a tennis ball may be used to get deeper into the muscles or pressure points.
Pilates: All motion originates from the core, the area from the pelvis to the rib cage, to target its strength and stability. We utilize traditional Pilates mat work with modern advances such as “The Edge”, sissel bars, balls, flex bands and more.
Acu Oxycise: Can be a personalized health program that slims, trims, shapes, tones, stretches and builds lean body mass with stress reduction to the lower back and neck. By increasing oxygen you can bring your own body’s metabolic process into balance. As oxygen reaches fat molecules, fat is then converted and leaves your body through carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is the main product of fat de-oxidation. Learn which gland is your dominant one to understand why fat deposits develop in certain areas and learn which foods weaken or strengthen your metabolism. Through the breath and use of isometric, isotonic and stretch postures, you can increase calorie expenditure. Fifteen minutes of Acu Oxycise is equal to 400 sit ups. The program also offers information on food combinations and basic muscle testing. We use the Oxycise breath and physical program combined with yoga asana in some of our sequences. Private lessons are available.
› Beginner Acu Yoga ‹
Build the base of your yoga pyramid. We introduce you to each system or style and present modifications to ease you into an intermediate practice.
› Ashtanga Yoga Flow ‹
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional, challenging system. It can be described as a choreographed sequence that uses Vinyasa (breath connected to movement) and is a very dynamic approach to yoga. It is a hard and soft form if done properly. We added the word “Flow” to the class description because we are not strictly Ashtangis; sometimes we practice the shorter form to allow time in the class for progressions from a different system or sometimes we offer fun alternatives or modifications to the series. Students with a preference for movement may enjoy this class.
› Ashtanga Yoga Flow with Abs and Meditation ‹
This class starts with abdominal work, flows into a short form of Ashtanga Yoga Flow and finishes with Meditation.
› Meditation ‹
We will explore the very nature of your being. These meditation are designed to help you realize that you are the true master of your life. All of our classes have an element of meditation, but this class is devoted to it. This class requires experience in self-development and is based on a six-month progression. Homework will be given as we build from class to class. The class will begin with a Vipassana – a Zen walking/sitting meditation and, if needed, some other asanas to prepare for the meditation practice. The theme of the meditation is “Seeds Of Enlightenment” and we will work in the following order: conscious awareness in the present moment; intention and feedback; overcoming limitation; energy centers; energy bodies; trust and surrender; changing the paradigm; and benevolent intelligence.
› Prenatal Yoga ‹
“What a child learns in the womb cannot be learned on earth.” – Yogi Bhajan
We welcome you to explore Yoga as you move through a pivotal time in your life. The childbearing year can be a wonderful, life transforming experience. It is time to prepare for the birthing. Ward off the discomfort of pregnancy through a sequence of postures, meditations and breath techniques designed specifically for pregnancy. Each posture can be modified to suit your perfect body and trimester. As with all yoga, the benefits include increased joint stability, relaxation, improved sleep, joint pain relief, stress hormone, sciatic pain, leg cramp, and swelling reduction and improved digestion. Most importantly, as you listen and connect to your body, mind and spirit through yoga you will facilitate a deep and profound connection with your baby. You are welcome to join anytime and fees can be prorated according to expected delivery times.
› Young Yogis ‹
Yoga can help children to relax and give them discipline as they learn respect for themselves and others. It’s also great for their self-confidence. Coordination and motor skills will be developed as well as strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. Yoga will enhance your child’s intuition because yoga works with both hemispheres of the brain. Children today have pressures such as extensive homework, over-scheduling and endless school activities. The practice of yoga will overlap into other areas of their lives and they will gain the ability to maintain peace and keep their centre in difficult situations. We draw from many styles of yoga to create the class plans and incorporate some gymnastics into our program. We also play yoga games and have a few classes a year where the whole family is invited to participate or observe. It is very effective for hyperactive and attention deficit children. Yoga is a good prevention tool for later in life as one is less likely to become injured or ill if the body and mind have strength and clarity. We believe it is an honour to educate the children of the world with Yoga. We encourage an active lifestyle. Allow your child to progress in self discovery through ancient yoga techniques – a new-age class that aids your child’s journey to their creative self. FUN! FUN! FUN! For beginners of all levels, advanced practitioners and teenagers.
› MS Yoga ‹
Yoga is an excellent tool to manage the course of MS. Allow yourself to explore its positive effects on your mind that enhance the mental attitude for harmony, health and happiness.
“Yoga students continue to report relief from their MS symptoms, claim to sleep better and have more energy.” (www.yogajp.com).
We have received positive feedback from the participants and the benefits they are experiencing through the harmonious practice.
You can expect more coordination and balance, a softening of muscle tension, greater strength and flexibility, improved circulation and breathing, increased body awareness, improved organ, such as bowel and bladder, function, an overall sense of well-being and memory improvement. Classes are conducted in a safe and supportive atmosphere and may use props such as chairs or blocks. Mediations, cooling breaths and eye exercises ease depression, dizziness, numbness, tightness and tingling in the extremities and fatigue. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the tissue – myelin – which surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The course of MS can be unpredictable and individuals can manifest the disease differently. Modern research by Dr. Zamboni indicates that symptoms may be improved by opening up the blocked and twisted veins in the neck. We do our best to keep updated.
The Edmonton Chapter of the MS Society of Canada approached us to design a class specifically for people with MS. Through independent studies, we created a plan that meets the needs of our students. We provide information on topics such as nutrition and essential oils, conduct special seminars with guests, and provide guidance for home practice. The MS Society generously pays for 50 percent of participant fees.
› Karma Yoga ‹
A community class for all levels and all ages! 100 percent of proceeds go to The Healing Seed.
› Family Yoga ‹
All ages and levels are welcome to join us for some family fun with health benefits! The class plan will be tailored to the needs of the participants.
>Sattva Yoga<
This dynamic practice will rock your world! Every month we introduce a new diverse Hatha Yoga sequence designed to bring balance, inner strength, and energy to the practitioner in a fluid posture flow. Specific breathing techniques and guided meditation after the postures strengthen the lungs and centre the mind. This practice is an ultimate Yoga experience that combines body, breath and mind to leave you feeling full of bliss.
Relax and unwind the tissues of the body in this soothing class with long holding poses. Release the pressures of life and allow the mind to clear. A passive, quiet and simple practice, this class complements the dynamic styles of yoga.
The Ultimate Breath
Master of breath is master of life – Hindu Aphorism
This is about preparing for, recovering and sustaining your health, your wellbeing, your life – all with one breath – your Ultimate Breath.
If you knew that improving your breathing by only 5 percent increases your daily energy and enhances your vitality, would you take the time to do this? Taking in more oxygen with every breath allows our mind and body to integrate and function optimally.
If you knew that improving your breathing by only 5 percent increases your ability to handle fear and let go of mental stress and physical tension, would you take the time to do this? Every fear, every upset has caused us to change the way we breathe. We can recover this very full, very deep, very clear breath we were born with, the same breath that energizes us and nourishes our systems and the same breath that feeds us our vital Life Force.
Time seems to be going so fast…so fast that many of us do not seem to have the time or make the time to slow down and take a deep breath.
Our breath is the fastest, most effective way to relax, let go of tension and become centered again amongst the chaos. And no matter where you are, your breath is always with you. It is the only completely proven, truly holistic modality and it’s your built in healing system. And it’s been right beneath your nose your whole life.
The planet’s respiration experts are dolphins. They are mammals and need to rise to the surface of the ocean to take a breath. Unlike humans, breathing is not an involuntary response for them. They are completely aware of every inhale and every exhale. So it would appear that they could be one of the greatest teachers to help us recover our breathing.
For the past 16 years, our guide, Jillian has learned from these experts, the dolphins. She has integrated her knowledge with ancient pranayama practices and the powerful methods used in modern freediving (a practice of diving without SCUBA gear on ONLY ONE BREATH). She is an experienced Yoga Practitioner, an Energy and Body Worker, Life Coach, Interspecies Communicator and Freediving Instructor. Jillian will partner with you to become aware of your breath. Then through deliberate, gentle practice you can create a new breath that supports you, heals you and propels you forward.
Listening to your breath and to yourself is key. You will learn to release what is blocking you from taking in a deep, full breath. Essentially this is the fear of feeling emotions and we will free the anxiety that has been trapped in our bodies. Next we will ground and strengthen the basic breathing equipment – the lungs, the heart, the diaphragm and the thoracic cavity through stretching and movement. Then we will bring the breath into balance and synchronize it with the heart and mind to create alignment, rhythm and flow. And finally, through very specific and specialized breath retention techniques, we will find our Ultimate Breath, the only thing we truly need.
This course is run over a period of seven weeks, the perfect amount of time that it takes to change our habits and rebuild the neural pathway to our Ultimate Breath.
Jillian is a true believer in empowerment…her goal is for you to have so much success with this class that you will never need to return again…unless you want to. ♥
