Advanced Anatomy Training Course

Principles of Dynamic Alignment & Intelligent Adjustments

August 2 - 15, 2009

with Neil Barker

* This course qualifies for 100 hours continuing-education credit toward Yoga Alliance 500- and Centered Yoga 1100-hour training certification. A 100-hour certificate will be issued upon completion.

About the Training Course

This advanced anatomy and physiology workshop, which focuses on vinyasa and Ashtanga, is aimed specifically at dedicated yoga practitioners and teachers. As part of the ongoing advanced-anatomy series, this particular module will deepen your knowledge of the Ashtanga system and how it impacts the physical body, preparing it for the subtle practice of Pranayama.

The more you understand the science of this practice, the more you will appreciate and value your time on the mat. This ultimately serves to fortify and deepen your devotion to your practice and the tradition from which it stems.

If you are already teaching, this series will enhance your ability to communicate physical and energetic benefits confidently to your students.

A pose-by-pose exploration of the complete Primary Series will be a main feature of this workshop, with a detailed review of the principles of dynamic alignment and an emphasis on the musculature of each asana.

More specifically, we will

explore basic anatomical terms relating to the mechanics of movement.
review the deep inner and outer core musculature.
analyze the muscular anatomy posture by posture.
- What muscles should be active in the asana?
- What muscles should be released and lengthened?
outline the principles of dynamic alignment.
- Detailed adjustments for each element of the asana.
enumerate and explain the traditional vinyasa counts.
- Breath integrity in and out of the asana.
- The state of the asana.
take a detailed look at backbends, particularly those of the intermediate series.
examine the applied kinesiology and mechanics of vinyasa, as well as specific techniques for developing the jump back and jump through.

In addition to this, you will

be immersed in yogic living and in the company of like-minded individuals.
have the opportunity to deepen your personal practice under the senior tutelage of Neil Barker and Paul Dallaghan.
deepen and further your understanding and personal experience of Pranayama.

For those students working toward the Yoga Alliance 500-hour or the Centered Yoga 1100-hour accreditation, taking at least one advanced anatomy module is compulsory. These courses also afford you the opportunity to review and refine your adjustment techniques.

Please note that the advanced-anatomy modules may be taken in any order.

About the Teachers

Neil

Neil is a creative, lively, and gifted teacher with a unique ability to share learning in a way that students immediately "get" even difficult lessons. He is a senior teacher at Samahita Retreat and the training director for Centered Yoga Institute. He has been teaching with Paul since 2004. He is also a dedicated student of Sri O.P. Tiwari and is authorized to teach the Ashtanga practice by the master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Neil has a solid background in the healing arts, having studied and practiced as a chiropractor/spine specialist, acupuncturist, and Chinese medical practitioner. Neil spent a number of years living in Beijing, where he opened the first modern-day yoga center. For more about Neil, see his full bio.

Paul

Paul is a senior teacher of Pranayama, Asana and the meditative art and science of Yoga. He has been a dedicated student for over a decade of both Sri O.P.Tiwari, one of the few remaining classical yogis and masters of Pranayama, and the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in ashtanga vinyasa. Both of these great teachers have personally certified Paul in these practices, a unique position as the only one to receive this double honor. Paul continues with Mantra practice from the yoga lineage and meditative approaches, influenced by the Thai Forest tradition. This combination of practice and study through dedication and devotion has helped him gain some understanding of practice and to apply this appropriately in Asana, Pranayama, Mantra recitation and Meditation for the different level of students he has the privilege to share the teaching with. He continues his studies in health, digestion, anatomy and physiology. One of his main gifts is to be able to relate the teachings in a very down-to-earth way for the modern seeker. He does not take life or yoga too seriously and as a result the discussions and philosophical sessions are lively and humorous, helping to explain the meaning behind the practices and philosophy.

Paul grew up in Dublin, Ireland and completed formal university studies at Trinity College. He lived in New York for seven years where his life in yoga practice and teaching began. From 2001 to 2007 he focused six months a year on advanced yoga studies in India and various pilgrimage spots in Tibet, Thailand and India. With his wife, Jutima, they opened Samahita Retreat and are both the happy parents of two lovely boys, Sean and Dylan. He knows firsthand about raising a family and keeping a sincere connection with practice and internal development. This practical experience and love of the subject matter he shares with joy, intelligence and humour.

For more please see his full bio.

The Daily Schedule

The program begins at 5pm on the first day of the retreat with a group welcome and departure is at 12pm on the last day.
The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

7 am	Meditation and Pranayama
8 am	Mysore Style Self Practice with occasional Led Explorative classes to deepen the understanding of the material covered.
10 am - 12:30 pm	Brunch buffet
2 - 3:30 pm	Anatomy Lecture
4 - 6 pm	Anatomy Lecture or Practical Workshop with Q & A
6 pm	Dinner buffet
6 - 9 pm	Steam room available
7:30 pm	Evening program - video, tratak, meditation

Based on request and availability, you are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay, our Residential and Wellness Programs details are on http://www.yoga-thailand.com/yoga-holidays.html

Our guestrooms are set back just over 50 meters from the water to provide you with a private community and greater security. Most of our rooms open up to a spectacular seaview looking direct to the beach and the coconut trees.

The rate is inclusive of: