Since Elephant Pharm drugstore moved to Los Altos, I find myself stopping by for one thing or another. I love going there because they are much more than a prescription and herbal pharmacy, but a one stop wellness center. I especially love the fact that they offer free daily classes. One of these free classes was "Yogoda: Living with more Energy", where I met the instructor Luca Moschini, ABT (Asian Bodywork Therapist), and founder of Need Relaxation. He taught us the art of Yogada, a unique healing technique designed to strengthen, recharge, and harmonize the body.
SFBayStyle: So what is 'Yogoda'?
Luca: Yogoda means harmony. It is a healing modality designed to harmonize the energy of the body and calm the mind. Yogoda was developed by Paramhansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi, who came to the United States to teach meditation and yoga.
SFBayStyle: Why are some people energetic and happy, while others have no energy and are in bad moods?
Luca: There are many reasons: diet, lifestyle, job, relationships, emotions and thoughts. Emotions and thoughts are the biggest factor. When people have negative or positive thoughts, it affects their will. Will is a force that throws energy into your body. When you are willing to do something, you have the energy to act. When you are not willing to do something, it paralyzes your will and you feel tired, depressed, and you have no energy to act. I teach people to change their perception and attitude. By changing your thoughts and emotions about a situation, you find the energy to act.
SFBayStyle: Luca, what is one thing that our readers can do right away to change their energy?
Luca: I have a couple suggestions your readers can put into action right away. First, when sitting or standing, remember to keep your spine straight. The spine is the main channel that throws energy into the body, and from there it flows into the legs and arms and energizes us. When the spine is crooked, the energy can not flow freely. Secondly, breathing. In Yogoda we use a practice called double breathing. You begin with by inhaling through the nose, then followed with a short and long exhale through the mouth - making the sound "Haa Haaaah". This recharges the body with energy, and relaxes the body and releases any physical, mental, emotional, and tension in the body.
If you are interested in learning more, Luca will be teaching a "Yogoda Energizing Exercise" class:
June 15th Sunday 1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. East West Bookstore 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. $39 in advance, $45 day of event. To register, please vist www.eastwest.com or call 650.988.9800.
In addition to Yogoda, Luca other wellness services such as meditation and acupressure.
Recent Comments