The menopausal years (preparation for menopause, menopause herself and post menopause) are both often characterised by experiences of profound instability and physical and emotional vulnerability. We can feel we are ‘going mad’ when we are actually often our right instinctive mind for the first time ever.
This experiential online retreat explores how Yoni Shakti Yoga and Ayurveda can support us during these special and challenging times. It is open to all menopausal beings and everyone approaching or with an interest in menopause. Health care practitioners, with an interest in menopause are also welcome to attend. No experience is necessary.
The 9 hours of this retreat counts as continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers who have completed prior trainings with Uma, and can also count towards CPD points for general yoga teachers and teachers/therapists who have prior trainings in yoga therapy for women’s health.
The intention of this offering is to provide practical experience of breath practices, rhythmic and restorative yoga postures (asana), energy locks and seals including pelvic locks (mulabandha, ashwini mudra and sahajoli mudra), gestures (mudra), and heart-based meditations (yoga nidra) that promote healthy menopause INCLUDING relief from typical issues such as excess heat, insomnia and anxiety.
Simple Ayurvedic practices and the Ayurvedic approach to menopause will be shared and some basic recipes sent to you for balancing the body and mind. By the end of the retreat, participants will have a thorough understanding of the key practical and theoretical Yoga and Ayurveda therapeutic range of responses that are helpful to support vitality and well-being during menopause.
There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussions of specific issues relating to menopause. This means that if you have specific personal or professional interests relating to this vulnerable and powerful time that you are invited to bring your questions and experiences to share with the group. The programme is open to responsive, intuitive attunements and adjustments to meet the specific needs of those attending.
Schedule:
Friday evening
7pm - Welcome
730pm - Yoga Nidra
8pm - Overview, (with golden milk) and simple practices
9pm - Close until morning
Saturday morning
9am - Welcome back. Meditation and Yoga Nidra
10am - Practical yoga to support menopause, including pranayama (breath), nada yoga (sound), rhythmic asanas to unblock energy (shakti bandhas), pointers for self-study (swadhyaya) – supportive inversions and restorative yoga, and fluid nourishing sequences of movement and breath to optimise prana for support.
11am - break (with rose tea)
1115am - Exploring menopause from a yogic and ayurvedic perspective: the significance of breath, relaxation and relevant appropriate use of supportive bandhas (pelvic locks and seals). Diet and lifestyle, daily routines, helpful herbs, nurturing self massage with oil (abyangha)
12 midday - Close until evening. The afternoon is free time and the suggestion is that you take this time for yourself, to walk in nature, to practice self massage, to enjoy nurturing food.
Saturday evening
7pm - Questions and offerings
730pm - Exploring the menopause
8pm - Energetic dimensions of yoga (with golden milk)
830pm - Mantra and Yoga Nidra
9pm - Close until morning
Sunday morning
10am - Welcome back. Meditation and Yoga Nidra
11am - Practical yoga to support menopause, including pranayama (breath), nada yoga (sound), rhythmic asanas to unblock energy (shakti bandhas), pointers for self-study (swadhyaya) – supportive inversions and restorative yoga, and fluid nourishing sequences of movement and breath to optimise prana for support.
11am - break
1115- 12midday - The energetic dimension of Yoga for menopause: acceptance of change, clearing energy blocks, surrender, support, sangha and promoting a connection with the inner teacher.
12 midday - Giving gratitude and close
