Yoga Therapy

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease. Disorder in the mind creates a disorder in the body. -Dr. Vishwas Mandlik

The land of healing lies within, radiant with happiness that is blindly sought in a thousand other directions. - Swami Vivekananda 

In the west, yoga is often thought of mainly as a physical practice with some meditation as secondary or supplemental to it. Although the physical aspect of yoga known as Asana offers multitudes of possible physical and mental benefits to health and healing, there are also many other facets within yoga that may be used for healing or bringing one's body back into wholeness. Among many of the yogic tools used in yoga therapy are mantra, sound, diet/lifestyle, herbs, karma yoga, yoga philosophy, ancient yoga texts, nature practice, mudras (hand gestures that direct energy), chakra balancing/awareness, bandhas (energetic locks), kriyas (energetic cleansing), devotion, ritual, yoga nidra, affirmations, sankulpa, Ayurveda, movement, visualization. These practices allow one to create new pathways in the brain which lead to healthier habits and a more balanced and healthy life. They also allow for healing through cleansing and strengthening the physical and spiritual bodies. 

    In yoga therapy, the student will learn yogic techniques and exercise that are specific to whatever disease or present issues. Yoga Therapy addresses one’s issue on a spiritual, energetic, and physical level. It helps get to the root cause. Yoga Therapy also reduces stress! We know that stress results in an imbalanced mind and is responsible for so many diseases. Almost all tools in yoga have a way of reducing stress and bringing the body into balance. Studies reveal that the asanas, pranayama, and mantras and other yogic tools all have potential for profound healing effects on body and mind. 

Mantras

Manas- Mind

Tra- Tool or Instrument

Mantra- A tool for the mind 

Mantras are sacred sounds encoded with deep meaning and ancient wisdom. They are a group of words that create spiritual power that have potential for transformation. These groups of words are chanted in repetition. When chanted, a  vibration from the words is created and is what creates this unifying, spiritual power. The combination of repetition, spiritual power, and vibration results in very powerful and positive effects on the mind. One is able to enter into a deep meditative state and become present. Mantras also have a way of clearing the mind and removing negative thoughts. Over time, mantras improve concentration, memory, and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. 

Pranayama

Prana- life force or breath

Yama- Control 

Pranayama- breath control 

The quality of one's breath reflects the quality of one's life. When one is breathing slowly, they are calm, present, and able to make sound decisions easilier. When one is angry or stressed, the breath is shallow and rapid. When we remember to pay attention to our breath, we can also remember to pay attention to our emotions and reactions. There are many types of pranayama. All of these types serve the body differently. Some pranayamas heat our body, while some cool. Pranayama greatly reduces stress and can even lower blood pressure. It can also greatly improve your immune system function and even assist in weight loss. Pranayama can change one's life for the better! 

Sound

Alpha waves are created in our brain during the states of meditation or deep relaxation. These alpha waves are created when singing bowls are played and make it easier for one to enter a meditation and relaxed state. The sound waves also work on the subconscious mind, which is very important in the healing process. 

Asana

Over time, asanas also have profound healing effects on the entire body and mind. All of the organs, muscles, bones, cells, tendons, and ligaments are healthier and more flexible. All of the organs, lungs, brain, digestive, and circulatory systems are also benefited. The spiritual body and the chakras are also cleansed and open as a result of these asanas. Specific asanas can also treat specific ailments as they can sometimes greatly benefit specific organs or systems that need extra love. Many turn away from yoga because they feel they are not flexible. Yoga actually helps one become more flexible, but that is not what these asanas are meant for. These physical benefits are amazing, but the point of the asanas is really to prepare one for mediation and cleanse the spiritual body. It just so happens that they also greatly heal so many ailments! Unfortunately, these healing postures can also cause injury if a pose is done incorrectly or one pushes themselves too much. It is better to go slow and comfortable when practicing. The body will get there more efficiently if you go slower. You never want to feel pain. Always be gentle with your body. 

Meditation

Mediation is the goal of yoga. We do these asanas, cleansing techniques, breathing exercises, and all of the other practices of yoga in order to purify our minds and bring ourselves into the beautiful place of awareness and presence. Meditation is often defined as focused attention or concentration that leads to deep inner peace and presence. It is a process of going on a beautiful inward journey. Meditation offers many benefits including stress reduction, mind expansion, improved concentration, and overall greatly improves one's life. 

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a meditative yoga practice where one is between waking and sleep. Yoga Nidra works to heal the body and mind on a subconscious level. Many studies have been done that reveal the profound benefits of practicing yoga nidra. When working on healing disease in yoga therapy, yoga nidra is a very important part of the process as our subconscious mind is very much involved when it comes to imbalance or disease. 

Bandhas

Bandhas are muscle contractions in specific places. These muscle contractions are great energetic points and allow the kundalini energy to be directed. Bandha practice allows for the kundalini to awaken at a faster speed. Bhanda practice offers physical and mental benefits as well. 

Cleansing Techniques

There are many cleansing techniques available within yoga and Ayurveda. Some of them should be practiced with an experienced yoga practitioner. In Hatha Yoga Pradapika, the cleansing techniques include jala neti or nasal cleansing, dhauti or digestive tract cleansing, nail or abdominal massage, bhasti or colon cleansing, kappalabhati or purification of the frontal lobes, and trataka or blink less gazing. One of the Niyaamas from Patanjalis yoga sutras is also saucha which means cleanliness or purity. One can practice saucha without having to practice cleansing techniques and apply saucha by eating clean, cleansing in water or simply by was

**For sessions or plan, please first fill out intake form in bookings.

**Upon purchase of session or plan, you will receive an email with an intake form. Fill out and send back to receive plan and at least 3 days before session.

**To learn more about a yoga therapy session or plan, please email marigoldambermarie@gmail.com 

Plants offer us so much wisdom and support. Not only do plants offer us nourishment and healing when we are sick or in need, but they can also ofer us emotional support. Herbs also do wonders for and work on our subtle bodies when we tune in and bring our awareness to them. Plants are often used in class in various ways. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite tea or herb to class to enhance the practice and also to invoke their magic, energy, and support.

To dive deeper into the magic of herbs, register for our 6-week Herbal Goddess Immersion Course where you will learn the basics of herbalism and also how to bring Shakti into your life and yoga practice! Register for all 6 courses and learn your herbs and flow like the goddess you are or dive deep into areas that interest you according to each week. Class begins in March!

Herbal Goddess Flow - Virtual is on Monday, 2/2 @ 7pm - Herb talk + Shakti Flow

To dive deeper into the power and magic of your own breath, book a session today or register for a class.

Pranayama

Prana- life force or breath

Yama- Control 

Pranayama- breath control

The quality of one's breath reflects the quality of one's life. When one is breathing slowly, they are calm, present, and able to make sound decisions effortlessly. When one is angry or stressed, the breath is shallow and rapid. When we remember to pay attention to our breath, we can also remember to pay attention to our emotions and reactions. There are many types of pranayama. All of these types serve the body differently. Some pranayama’s heat our body, while some cool. Pranayama greatly reduces stress and can even lower blood pressure. It can also greatly improve your immune system function and even assist in weight loss. Pranayama can change one's life for the better! 

Pranayama + Mantra

Kundalini Chakra Flow

Kundalini Chakra Flow fuses kundalini kriyas, pranayama (breath control), vinyasa yoga, awareness on chakras, sound, visualization, mantras, and intuitive flow. Through this practice, our energetic pathways become more clear so kundalini prana is able to reach each chakra. Through kundalini prana, one may begin to heal old thought patterns, understand the shadow, and release traumas, doubts, and fears. 

This is a great class to learn more about and experience the energetic body as well as your own inner healing power! The kriyas, breathing, and energetic cleansing increases strength and immunity, reduces stress, and releases toxins.

Book as group or individual session.

$45 per hour (price reduced for group, plz email marigoldambermarie@gmail.com‍ ‍to book small group)

Three mornings to get your glow on and shine like the goddess you are.

Explore the goddess in a deeper way and learn tools on how to embody your innate, divine, goddess mother energies. This is a beautiful way to reset the body, mind, and soul. Learn and experience different goddesses and experience her through meditation, sound, sacred movement, asanas, dance, mudra, and mantra.

Individual Goddess Immersions or small group immersions available to book.

3 mornings, 80 minutes

$80 (price reduction if you book with a small group)

Shakti Yoga Flow is a unique and dynamic flow that focuses on waking one up to their own strong, creative and divine feminine life-force known as Shakti.

The practice includes traditional asanas, breath-work, intuitive movement, gentle & flowing movements, mudra, meditation, mantras, sound, and awareness on the subtle body and elements. This flowing and creative movement can remove stagnancy in the physical and energetic body. resulting in increased creativity and deeper connection to your truth and inner wisdom. 

All levels are welcome! Intuitive movement and practicing in a way that feels the most nourishing in each moment is encouraged in this class.

Class meets in person at Odigo Wellness or Virtually on Tuesdays @ 10 AM!

Shakti Yoga Flow — ODIGO Wellness

How to Join

Sliding scale $10-$25. No one will be turned away for not having funds.

You can pay via:

• Venmo: @cosmicmoonmarigold

• Cashapp: $cosmicmoonyoga

• or cash (register with cash by emailing Marigold at marigoldambermarie@gmail.com

Getting to Odigo Wellness

Address:
Odigo Wellness
3115 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Google Maps Directions →

Driving?
Enter the parking lot from Hennepin Avenue via the driveway on the north side (closest to Lake Street). Use the back door where you’ll see steps and a wheelchair-accessible ramp leading to our cozy courtyard.

Walking, bussing, or biking?
Use the front door on Hennepin Avenue.

When you arrive:
Ring the doorbell and Marigold will let you in.

For any questions or support, you can contact Marigold at marigoldambermarie@gmail.com