yoga kala
Sivananda : Restorative : Chavutti Thirumal
About Shim
The first asana I unknowingly practiced was the headstand and it was taught to me by my mother. I was around 5 at the time...I still remember the joy I felt seeing things upside down, viewing my day to day surroundings differently. I learnt early on that nothing is as it seems and that the uncertainty was to be relished and not feared.
My yoga journey continued into adulthood and for a number of years I spent the winter months in India, studying yoga with various teachers in yoga schools and yoga therapy centres - Ved Niketan in Rishikesh, BNS Iyengar Mysore Mandala, Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Centre and many humble village practitioners willing to share their knowledge. My own practice continued to develop and deepen with the support of the Sivananda Yoga and Vedanta Centre in Putney. I qualified as a Sivananda Yoga Teacher in 2001. Soon after I had the opportunity to teach patients at The Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone. It was here that I began to understand the subtle benefits yoga. I continued to study and qualified as a Nutritional Therapist with the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in 2006.
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My love for learning and developing always continues. Recent training includes Restorative Yoga with Adelene Cheung and the beautiful art of Chavutti Thirumal, a traditional South Indian martial art massage with the wonderful Helen Noakes. Both of which inform my teaching and the experience I pass on to my students.
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A new chapter begins in my learning...bringing together all my experiences and loves - herbs, nutrition and well being. In 2019 I decided to learn how to formulate organic skincare with the hope of developing a range of ethically sourced and sustainable products that at their core follow Ahimsa - no harm through thought or action to oneself, others or the planet. You can follow my journey @the_green_parakeet on instagram.
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Sivananda Yoga
A Sivananda Yoga class follows a specific sequence of classical hatha yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises. The practise stems from the teachings of the great yoga master Swami Sivananda.
We begin the class with a gentle warm up, synchronising the breath with movement. Focus is deepened by continuing with Surya Namaska ( Sun Salutations). We then move into the main body of the class and practice the 12 Sivananda asanas in sequence. These postures align the spine and allow energy to flow through the body. They increase strength, flexibility and steady the mind.
As a student/class improves, advanced variations of these postures are introduced and postures are held for longer. We pay particular attention to the breath which enables us to go deeper within the practice.
We end the class with a beautiful 10-15 minute guided relaxation. Focusing on physical, mental and spiritual relaxation.
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Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a real antidote to our stressful lifestyles. It allows us, on all levels - physical, mental and emotional, to experience true stillness, peace and relaxation.
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Using props such as bolsters, blankets and blocks, the body is fully supported and nurtured in various poses. We then begin to release and let go, dropping deeper into relaxation and stillness. During this process the nervous system is able to adapt, allowing an overstimulated sympathetic nervous system to come into a state of homeostasis (equilibrium) by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This cultivates an environment of healing and regeneration for body and mind. www.restorativeyogateachers.com
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Chavutti Thirumal Massage
My introduction to Chavutti Thirumal was in 1999 in Kanur in North Kerala. I was studying the South Indian martial art, Kalarippayattu. Chavutti Thirumal is used as part of the training in Kalari to help increase flexibility, strength and to remove any blockages caused in training and battle.
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Chavutti Thirumal - which directly translates as 'foot pressure', is also known as Indian Rope massage. In it's traditional surrounding Chavutti treatments are given on the Kalari mud floor (place where the training takes place), on a thin sisal mat. The body is covered in medicated oils and the Gurukkal (martial art master) uses his feet to massage his student. One foot remains on the ground whilst holding a rope for stability. Using the feet allows for long rhythmical strokes up and down the full length of the body, following the nadis (meridians) and working into the fascia of the body.
Moving along the nadis relaxes and opens the energy channels, increases circulation and lymphatic flow. Softening the fascia opens the body increasing suppleness and strength. Chavutti Thirumal is a strong treatment and is comparable to a sports or deep tissue massage.
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This massage is suitable for the active and the less so active...it truly is amazing. The whole body is treated and sessions can be 1.5 or 2hrs. The room is warm and the sisal mat has been replaced with a comfy futon. Sweet Almond oil is used and scented with essential oils. Ayurvedic oils available on request.
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1 hr: £80 1.5 hrs: £95 2 hrs: £110
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Please contact me for more information and to make a booking.
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Classes
Sivananda Yoga
Tuesday 9.30am -11.00am
Mixed ability
£13 regular attendance
£15 drop in Max 8
Sivananda Yoga
Friday 7.45pm - 9.15pm
Restorative Yoga first Friday of the month
Mixed ability
*Class Suspended*
£13 regular attendance
£15 drop in Max 10
"I have been attending classes with Shim for over a year now. As someone who suffers with a bad back I can't recommend these classes more highly - for increasing strength, confidence and also helping with relaxation. Not only has my overall technique improved but also the enjoyment of my practice. Both locations offer a safe intimate environment to practice in." Deanna
"Attending Shim's weekly Sivananda class at yoga sp8ce has become an essential element of my physical, mental and spiritual well being. Her gentle, calm voice guides and induces a deep relaxation and stretch, preparing the class for more active sun salutations and classic poses. Shim facilitates, accommodates and provides expert instruction and encouragement in each individuals yoga practice and journey. She brings a wonderful combination of grace, strength and knowledge to all her classes and I'm a whole lot better off for it." Debbie, Real Massage Surrey
"Chavutti Thirumal with Shim was like nothing I have ever experienced. The motion of Shim's soft, flexible feet gliding from my finger tips to my toes with precision in every long deep stroke, was nothing short of amazing. The positive effects lasted for days afterwards. I highly recommend this unique experience." Debbie
"Shim is not only amazing in every way but she is very professional and her knowledge is excellent with regards to anatomy and physiology of the body - something I always look for in a therapist. I am a mother of two very active boys and I also work in a very demanding environment. I went to Shim not only to feel relaxed but also to help with aches and pains particularly around my neck, back area and piriformis. I've had lots of massages in my time and I can honestly say that a Chavutti Thirumal massage is the best I've ever had. Not only did I feel exhilarated, rejuvenated and relaxed, my aches and pains disappeared. I can not recommend Shim enough, She is a consummate professional with a genuine passion for helping you be the best you can be." Louise, Occupational Therapist
yoga kala news
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The only public class I am running is the Tuesday morning class in The Parish Rooms.
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Parish Rooms
Church of the Holy Name 42 Arbrook Lane KT10 9EE
All levels welcome.
9.30am - 11am
Drop ins welcome
Bring a warm blanket, socks and an open mind
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