"I am not bound for any public place, but for ground of my own where I have planted vines and orchard trees, and in the heat of the day climbed up into the healing shadow of the woods.” Wendell Berry
HOT STONE THERAPY RETREAT October, 2009, Croatia, Europe
This retreat represents a unique cross-training opportunity. It is a combination of "hot" yoga practice in heated rooms ( Bikram or MokshaYoga ) as a preparation in an immersion into the process of learning Hot Stone Therapy, step by step, for self healing and professional growth. The Hot Stone Therapy Retreat is designed for both professionals (massage therapists, bodyworkers or Yoga teachers) and nonprofessionals alike. Our intention was to create a program that will resonate with anyone who feels an urgent need to get back on track, to re-align with the Centre and find balance, using the healing properties of heat. Heat has always had a unique place among the elements, especially in traditional healing practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, for example, it has been said that heat and cold are causes of all diseases. Hot Stone Therapy integrates the properties of heat in the Yin way: opening the body cells and receiving heat; allowing the shift to happen by letting in. Hot Yoga, on the other hand, represents a Yang way, as it allows the shift by letting it out (not only by softening the muscles and joints but by penetrating the skin and initiating both sweating and detoxification).
Some Benefits of Practicing heated Yoga
Your body burns fat more effectively, fat may be redistributed and burned as energy during the class. It is common to lose centimetres of shape in a very short time
The heat produces a fluid-like stretch allowing for greater range of movement in joints, muscles, ligaments and other supporting structures of the body; your muscles and connective tissue become more elastic and allow for greater flexibility with less chance of injury and improved resolution of injury
Capillaries dilate in the heat; more effectively oxygenating the tissues, muscles, glands and organs and helping in the removal of waste products
Your peripheral circulation improves due to enhanced perfusion of your extremities and your metabolism speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids
Sweating promotes detoxification and elimination through the skin - which is the body's largest eliminating organ
Just as when your body raises its temperature to fight infection, the raised temperature in the room will assist in improving T-cell function and the proper functioning of your immune system
Your nervous system function is greatly improved and messages are carried more efficiently to and from your brain
Metabolism improves in your digestive system and in the body's cells (that is food in the gut and nutrients in the cells)
You benefit from a strengthening of willpower, self control, concentration and determination in this challenging environment
The Yoga Classes are 90 minutes long, and the flow of asanas is simple but stimulating. The Hot Stone Therapy part of the program has its own daily schedule and includes, among other things, both giving and receiving treatments in a safe and supportive environment.
You are not required to buy any supplies, but if you wish to learn using your own stones, you can purchase a student set that will be sent to you before you leave for the retreat.
If you are a professional massage therapist, the Hot Stone Therapy course provides 20 certified educational units (category A).
Packages rates include
Seven nights’ accommodation in private or shared rooms with private bath (most of them with balcony)
Three balanced and delicious vegetarian meals
Daily maid service
One to two Yoga lessons daily (Hot or Hatha, depending on the program) with a professional, certified instructor
Daily bodywork/massage therapy instructions (and exchanges) supervised by certified massage and shiatsu teachers (depending on the program)
Daily meditation class
Use of beach and concierge service
One excursion per retreat (to either Kornati Archipelago or Krka Falls)
Guided hiking tour to Korinjak Hill
Taxes for accommodation and meals
Transportation from Zadar to Iz and from Iz to Zadar
