“The three - body, mind and soul – are like a tripod, the world is sustained by their combinations: they constitute the substratum of everything. The combination of these three is Purusha. This is the subject matter of Ayurveda for which these teachings have been revealed.” (C.S.1.46-27)
Ayurveda’s originated nearly 5000 years ago with the spiritual rishis (sages) who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilisation in India.
Ayurveda sees all of life (human, animal, nature) having a common underlying relationship of 5 elements; Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
The Tridoshas (‘tri’ – three) and ‘doshas’ (a combination of any two of the five elements) are seen as the essential factors of the human body that govern its physical structure and function.
Each individual is seen as having a unique pattern of energy and of physical, mental and emotional characteristics.
This pattern forms their own ‘prakriti’ (constitution).
Each dosa is a combination of any two of the five elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth) but with a predominance of one element.
There are 3 doshas; ‘ Vata’ (nerve-force), ‘Pitta’ (circulatory, metabolic, and digestive) and ‘Kapha’ (immune system).
The Sanskrit names represent types of physiological and psychological processes within the individual’s body and mind.
Each physical characteristic, mental capacity and emotional tendency of an individual is explained in terms of the tridoshas.
In Western terms, ‘Vata’ relates to the nerve-force. It is responsible for;
‘Pitta’ relates to the circulatory, metabolic, and digestive (including endocrine) systems.
‘Kapha’ relates to the immune system
Together, the doshas are considered responsible for catabolic metabolism (the breakdown of complex molecules with the release of energy) and anabolic metabolism (the energy-using formation of complex molecules).
Health is believed to occur when the doshas are in balance.
Balance is achieved with the help of a healthy diet, restful sleep, regular exercise and stress management. Botanical supplements, exercise, activities promoting mindfulness and other resources may offer additional support.
Illness is believed to occur when there is unbalanced ‘agni’ (digestive fire). If the fire does not burn strongly enough, foods are not digested so nutrients cannot be absorbed. Undigested food sits in the colon, becoming a breeding ground for yeast infections, toxins, gas and constipation. Undigested foods are called ama (toxins). Ama is regarded as the root cause of most problems in the body. Ama results from excess Vata or Kapha (or both). If the agni burns too much, heat and acid build up in the system, creating Pitta problems.
For ANY chronic conditions it is advised to have a minimum of three or more sittings for the recommended treatment. Consecutive packages of 3-, 5-, or 7-days treatments may be negotiated at a discounted price. This can be discussed with me during your initial consultation.
I have been a regular attendee at Monika’s yoga classes for nearly 10 years. In addition to the weekly sessions, I frequently attend Monika’s monthly ’Restorative’ sessions. I have also attended several annual yoga weekends that she has both organised and run. Prior to finding Monika, I had been to several classes run by different teachers with limited success. I find Monika focussed, patient, friendly and responsive to individual needs. A crucial factor is that she challenges me in my yoga practice but knows when I have reached my limit and adapts poses for me accordingly. I find her to be an excellent teacher and practitioner which is evidenced by her commitment to continuous learning and development. I therefore have no hesitation in recommending her.
Monika is an inspirational yoga teacher; her lessons are meticulously planned and provide a full mind and body workout. Since I have been practicing with Monika, I feel physically stronger, and my understanding of yoga has deepened. Her classes are challenging grounding and relaxing and I always leave feeling invigorated yet blissfully calm.”
In my view Monika is an outstanding teacher in three ways: - she exemplifies the physical and mental benefits of yoga practice - every lesson is carefully planned based on her deep knowledge of the tradition and teachings - her teaching style is encouraging and supportive.
I started my yoga journey with Monika about 10 years ago. She is an extraordinarily good teacher, constantly seeking to improve her own practice so that she can pass new techniques onto her students, which means her classes are never repetitive and always well judged. I am so much fitter and more flexible than I was when I started. I always feel both physically stretched and emotionally calm at the end of one of her classes and can’t imagine practicing with another teacher.”
I first met Monika in 2018, when I regularly attended her vinyasa flow classes on a Saturday, I have since also attended online classes during covid, restorative workshops and weekend retreats both I summer and autumn. She provides a variety of yoga classes through the week, all with the student at the centre of what she does, each session clearly describing its desired intentions, making use of props and modifications if needed. Monika provides clear instruction and guidance throughout classes, explaining the benefits to different poses and breathing methods. I have had the pleasure of developing my yoga practice and becoming stronger, more flexible and calmer of mind through Monika’s direction. I have also been supported by Monika to recognise my physical limitation following an accident and episodes of ill health but have found I have been able to participate as she provided personalised advice to enable me to work with the group. She is a keen learner and regularly supports her students by sharing her knowledge to their benefit. Monika is kind, considerate and a motivator of others which is demonstrated in her approach. With all this in mind, her yoga classes are accessible to all, a good balance of direction and humour and why I keep returning time and time again.