Yoga in the Garden returns this Thursday, August 15th! Soak up the last few weeks of summer in connection with community and mother nature. Click here to sign up!
NEW Yoga in the Gallery: Beginning September 4th, Wednesday Mindful Movement will have a NEW in-person location at Frank Gallery in Carrboro. Frank is both a fine art gallery representing the best of local artists, as well as a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community through the arts. Visit our event page for more information.
August 14th is Global Yoga Therapy Day! Every year, the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) brings together an international community to share about the practice and profession of yoga therapy as it evolves.
Yoga therapy empowers you to take an active approach to self-care through the tailored application of yoga. Unlike general group classes, which aim to benefit a wide range of participants, yoga therapy offers a personalized and evolving practice that addresses specific health challenges and promotes overall well-being. It’s a rich and multifaceted discipline that integrates ancient yogic principles with modern medical knowledge, lending a holistic approach to health.
Yoga therapy is particularly effective in managing chronic conditions and fostering recovery at all levels—mind, body, and emotions. This makes it especially valuable for addressing conditions that persist despite conventional treatments, offering a complimentary approach to healing. Each session is carefully tailored to your unique anatomy, medical history, and personal goals, addressing the whole person rather than just physical symptoms. In an interview with the IAYT, Gary Kraftsow, founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, suggests that “everybody’s symptoms are unique, and the prescription must be unique for the work to be effective.”
Certified Yoga Therapists accredited by the IAYT undergo extensive training to ensure they can safely and effectively support you. Yoga Therapists uncover ways to help you reduce or manage your symptoms, improve function, and help you to improve your relationship with your health condition(s). They work closely with you to understand your specific health concerns and craft a practice that is uniquely yours. In the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Gary Kraftsow explains that the role of the yoga therapist is less about teaching techniques and more about helping you to overcome challenges and gain independence.
If you are seeking a more personalized approach to yoga, visit our website or contact us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com to schedule an introductory session with one of our Certified Yoga Therapists!
The following team members can provide private individual or small group sessions. To inquire, please email info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com.
Sam Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
Amanda Dzengeleski is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist in training. She has additional training in trauma-sensitive yoga, therapeutic yoga, and functional movement. Amanda deeply believes that all beings possess an innate wisdom that blooms despite difficulty, trauma, illness or loss. She is dedicated to hosting a safe and inclusive space and inviting an embodied experience for students to honor their uniqueness and learn to listen to the wisdom of their bodies.
Melissa Russell is a certified yoga therapist; a 500 hour registered yoga teacher trained in ashtanga, anusara, and pelvic floor health; and an iRest level 2 meditation teacher. Melissa began her yoga teaching journey over 20 years ago while leading innovative teams in the world of publishing and educational technology.
Aviva Tulasi is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). Aviva applies the teachings of classical yoga (movement, focused breathing & meditation) to nourish the nervous system. Aviva’s classes empower students to explore their thought habits in order to promote greater wellbeing both on and off the mat.
Christa Carter is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher certified in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Somatic Healing. Christa's yoga practice is fueled by curiosity, and she believes that yoga is an accessible practice for all. Her awareness and fondness for movement in the body began at an early age. However, it wasn't until 2015, when yoga and yoga philosophy became her framework for understanding the body, breath, mind, and spirit connection. She is currently on the journey to becoming a certified Yoga Therapist.