What is Yoga

Yoga is an integral system developed by the ancient sages of India to keep the physical and mental faculties strong in order to evolve our consciousness and spirit. It is a science of health, harmony and spiritual progress.

Yoga comprises several principles: exercise, breath control, relaxation, nutrition, meditation, philosophy and positive thinking.

Yoga first focuses on physical health: strengthening the muscles, massaging and stimulating the internal organs and improving posture.

Practicing yoga poses with deep breathing, relaxation and concentration also develops mental control.

Proper breathing circulates vital energy, deep relaxation removes stress and anxiety, a good diet provides fuel for the body, meditation develops heart and spirit.

Understanding yogic philosophy, psychology and spirituality leads to a fuller comprehension of an individual's strengths & weaknesses, personal mission and therefore his value, significance and place in the world.

Yoga - Therapy and Psychology

Yoga Asanas (exercises) for health:

-breathing and the body / mind
-the physical body and how to work on posture, organs and energetic systems
-meditation and sound

Yoga Psychology: emotions, mind & spirit

-the koshas, the 5 bodies
-the chakras, physio & psycho-spiritual energy centres
-left & right brain activity, the link with ida, pingali & sushumna nadi
-the 3 gunas: sattva, rajas & tamas; a qualitative evaluation

The multidimensional human:

-an explanation for stages of evolution
-assessing energy levels & leaks, emotional blocks & strength
-the 8 stages or paths
-perception, memories, thinking, emotions and behaviour

Teacher: Gerry Rixen is a qualified hatha yoga teacher registered with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre and the International Yoga Federation but has also studied the Iyengar method.He’s a professional Shiatsu therapist and teacher and is the founder and director of the International Shiatsu and Yoga school SYM (founded 1997). He is also a 4th Dan Shorinji Kempo Instructor (Japanese Martial Art and Zen School) and spent many years teaching the art in both Britain and France where he established training centres or dojos. Gerry studied with many teachers around the world and has traveled to India, Japan and South America. After completing his studies in Archeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University he worked for many years as a language teacher and TV-news journalist before dedicating himself full-time to practicing and teaching Shiatsu and Yoga.

Dates: 29 – 31 March 2013
From: 9:30 – 5 pm

Location: ”Holismos” via Marmocchi 29 Poggibonsi Siena, Italy
Holismos is in the centre of Poggibonsi, a small town located between Siena and Florence in the heart of Tuscany, Italy

Price: €210 (course only)

Accommodation: You can arrange your own accommodation in a hotel or hostel nearby or contact Gerry to either stay at the centre (dormitory) for a small fee, or book a hotel.

Food: There are plenty of snack bars and restaurants in the centre of Poggibonsi close to the centre.

Booking: Call or send an email to confirm your booking.

How to get there: By air to Rome or Pisa then by train to Poggibonsi. By car to Florence then follow the road south to Siena.

Holismos – Toscana – Italy: “Holismos” is a small centre dedicated to the practice and teaching of complementary medicine and self development practices such as Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Cranio-sacral therapy, Yoga and Tai Chi. It is located in the centre of Poggibonsi a small town in the heart of Tuscany, 30 minutes by car to Florence and 20 minutes to Siena. Some of Tuscany's most beautiful medieval towns such as San Gimignano, Col de Val d'Elsa or Volterra are even closer.

Info: tel. 338 3824280
E-mail: info@holismos.com - holidays@holidayoga.com
Web: www.holidayoga.com - www.holismos.com