Yoga and bodywork often have a lot in common and aim to create a sense of openness, freedom and relaxation in the body. And even though the approaches are different, there is a lot of overlap in the way different tissues in the body are treated. When you feel stuck in your body or are starting to notice little aches and pains after a stressful period, it is of course helpful to book a massage. But it often offers only temporary relief. Knowing how to use bodywork as well yoga techniques in your own practice and daily life, for your family or as a yoga teacher or bodywork is of great value when you want to live a lifestyle that allows your body thrive and stay healthy and pain free.
This is exactly why we are bringing these two disciplines together on the ‘Alchemy of Touch’ Yoga & Body work retreat in Morocco! You will learn bodywork techniques based on the ‘Alchemy of Touch Method’ as well as how to apply this knowledge to your yoga practice and how to implement these tools into your daily life.
What is ‘Alchemy of Touch?
There are many different types of bodywork and massage out there. The Alchemy of Touch is a fluid method that combines various massage techniques from the East and the West. It has its foundation in Rebalancing Massage developed at the Osho Ashram in Pune, India, combined with Chi Release, joint mobilization techniques and Fluid Touch, which is the signature of Alchemy of Touch.
This unique mix of techniques is highly effective in dissolving patterns and tension that limit the body and its range of motion. The focus is restoring elasticity, hydration and mobility in the fascia. Fascia is a fundamental tissue that wraps itself like a spider web over all parts of our body connecting and holding together the muscles, bones and organs. Connected to our nerves system, the fascia responds to and stores our emotions, memories, tension and behavioral patterns.
When the fascia becomes dry, sticks together or tightens, it loses elasticity and plasticity, which can manifest as tightness, ‘knots’, injuries, and a general loss of mobility. The techniques of the Alchemy of Touch allow for fascia to release again and restore.
How is this related to yoga?
Yoga offers great ways to create more space in the fascia. With the focus on flexibility, it is mostly the plasticity of the fascia that is increased. However, the elasticity of the fascia is just as important. It is what allows us to bounce back, to respond quickly and for our body to adapt to the tasks at hand, avoiding injuries. It allows you to feel free in your body.
Implementing knowledge about plasticity and elasticity of the fascia and which movements and asanas you can incorporate into your practice to work with the fascia, is a great way to create a yoga practice that is intelligent, sustainable and progressive. Whether you like to improve your handstand, go deeper into your forward folds, or are healing an injury: the fascia will be involved!
Combining the bodywork techniques with yoga techniques offers you a set of tools that you can apply in any physical activity that you enjoy, including your yoga practice, in order to find freedom, comfort and awareness in your body. As a yoga teacher or bodyworker you can apply this knowledge in your classes or private sessions to serve your clients even more.
