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Yoga Conference

Therapeutic Track
Yoga can be a powerful healing practice. Study these different methods to understand how your yoga practice can benefit your overall health and well-being.



Prajna Yoga: The Sacrum-Skull Polarity
Tias Little - Course ID: AFLITT

Friday, January 18 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Friday All-Day Intensives
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Explore the dynamic balance between the two poles of the spine--the sacrum and the occiput. The aim of vinyasa yoga and asana practice is to balance the motion between these two. Come discover how yoga techniques such as Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas involve the sacrum, and how these movements relate to the brain and sensory organs within the skull. We'll look at the anatomical structures involved in the sacrum-skull polarity in poses such as Downward Dog, Headstand, and Wheel, and practice postures that benefit sacral-iliac imbalances.

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
The morning session is devoted to hip and sacral openers, the afternoon to inversions and pranayama.




Unfolding the Psoas for Pranayama
Tias Little - Course ID: M1LITT

Saturday, January 19 — 8:00am - 10:00am
Main Conference - Session 1
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

The psoas muscle is thought to be the most core muscle of the body and key to stabilizing the lower spine. This muscle also attaches directly to the respiratory diaphragm. By creating length and space in the abdomen, we'll discover how to cultivate the breath within. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
Discussion, asana, and pranayama practice.


Working with Your Injuries in Your Practice
Ana Forrest - Course ID: M2FORR

Saturday, January 19 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 2
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Alleviating your own pain is tremendously empowering. Using the breath, learn to focus your healing into whatever area you personally need it. Learn how to tailor your breath and poses to release pain and bring healing to an injured area, as well as to explore how the attitudes that are part of the injury may perpetuate the injury. This session also focuses on common areas of injury: the neck, shoulders, and back. By applying the tools of Forrest Yoga, pain and suffering becomes optional! **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: Water, a strap (at least 6'), a block, 2 mats (OR 1 mat and a large beach towel or blanket.)
Mostly asana. The room will be heated.


Common Aches and Pains: The Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders
Gary Kraftsow - Course ID: M2KRAF

Saturday, January 19 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 2
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Many people come to yoga looking for relief from common aches and pains. We'll explore the biomechanics of the upper back, neck, and shoulders, and the types of problems that can affect these areas. Then we'll develop and practice a sequence of adapted asanas designed to relieve stress as well as strengthen weaker areas. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

Lecture and asana practice.


Pranayama and Mudra: Breathing in Breathing Out, Peace and Well Being
Richard Miller - Course ID: M2MILL

Saturday, January 19 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 2
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

This class offers an exciting, experiential exploration into the ancient art and science of pranayama. Come explore in-depth practices that nourish and refresh your body and mind, increase your health and vitality, and serve as direct pointers to awakening to your true nature. You'll learn techniques to increase concentration, develop mindfulness, strengthen your immune system, and enhance your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Come discover how to use the breath as a portal for awakening to your essential nature as timeless Being.

Gentle asana and pranayama practice.


The Shoulder: How to Open, Strengthen, and Repair
Judith Hanson Lasater - Course ID: M3LASA

Saturday, January 19 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 3
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

We'll learn the basic principles of the rotator cuff through a presentation of the anatomy and kinesiology of the shoulder. We'll then focus on poses that open and strengthen the shoulder joint. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A mat, an eye cover, and two or more blankets.
Lecture and asana practice.


Restoring Kidney Chi
Tias Little - Course ID: M3LITT

Saturday, January 19 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 3
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

It is essential not to allow the kidney region to become restricted, locked, or dehydrated. This happens as a result of muscular tension in the low back, fear, and emotional holding on. We'll regard the kidneys as huge aquifers that provide endurance and homeostasis to the entire body. Come investigate the anatomical position of the kidneys and identify the ways that the kidneys support the lungs and the flow of prana. This practice includes twists, forward bends, and supported backbends that are invaluable to balancing kidney chi. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
Discussion and asana.


Introduction to Integrative Restoration: iRest Yoga Nidra
Richard Miller - Course ID: M3MILL

Saturday, January 19 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 3
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Integrative Restoration, or iRest, is a transformative practice derived from the ancient teachings of Tantric yoga that leads to psychological, physical, and spiritual health and well-being. Learn the tools to heal unresolved issues, traumas, and wounds present in the body, mind, and senses while revealing and restoring yourself to your innate and unconditioned peace of mind. Come experience this ancient tool for health, healing, and awakening that you can integrate into your practice and your life.

Interactive lecture, discussion, and meditation.


Gateway to Prana: Empowering the Neck/Shoulder Axis in Vinyasa
Bo Forbes - Course ID: M4FORB

Sunday, January 20 — 8:00am - 10:00am
Main Conference - Session 4
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

The neck-shoulder axis is a gateway to pranic regulation and emotional health. Freedom in this axis helps the front body and heart area to open. Having either limited mobility or stability can lead to "closed-heart syndrome" and pranic dysregulation, in which the cervical spine and rotator cuff become vulnerable to injury, and the emotional body to anxiety and depression. We'll learn postural-alignment cues and fascial techniques to stabilize and release the neck-shoulder axis and regulate prana. Then we'll explore asana adaptations to help prevent injury to the neck and shoulders in your asana practice. These tools will help you increase pranic flow, regulate the nervous system, enhance emotional well-being, and facilitate self-expression.

CE credits are offered for psychologists and social workers Elemental Yoga is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Elemental Yoga maintains responsibility for this program (M4FORB) and its content. This program offers one (1) CE hour for psychologists. This program is also approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Provider #886459124) for two (2) continuing education contact hours.
**This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: Bring a blanket, a strap, one to two blocks, and an eye pillow.
Asana, pranayama, and lecture.


Therapeutic Benefits of Backbends
Ana Forrest - Course ID: M4FORR

Sunday, January 20 — 8:00am - 10:00am
Main Conference - Session 4
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Experience the therapeutic benefits of a Forrest Yoga backbend class. Create profound and freeing changes through intelligent hands-on adjustments. Feel the sequencing of a safe class, including how to warm up and warm down for backbends to stay injury-free. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: Water, a strap (at least 6'), a block, 2 mats (OR 1 mat and a large beach towel or blanket.)
Mostly asana. The room will be heated.


Introduction to Yogic Back Care: Neck and Shoulders
Annie Carpenter - Course ID: M5CARP

Sunday, January 20 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 5
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

In this slow flow therapeutic practice, we'll address stabilizing the shoulder girdle, opening the chest, strengthening the upper back, and releasing the neck. The practice will be deep and strong but accessible to all levels. This class will be especially interesting for anyone with upper back or neck issues, as well as for teachers.

What to bring: A strap.
Discussion and asana.


Protect, Unwind, and Strengthen the Lower Back
Maty Ezraty - Course ID: M5EZRA

Sunday, January 20 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 5
Beginners / Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Having a healthy lower back is paramount to a healthy lifestyle. Come work on the key underlining principles that emphasize how to heal, strengthen, and protect the lower back using a variety of poses including standing, simple backbending, seated, and supine poses.

What to bring: A block is optional.
Mostly asana. Teachers welcome.


The Spirit of Ayurveda & Yoga
Mas Vidal - Course ID: M5VIDA

Sunday, January 20 — 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Conference - Session 5
Therapeutic / Contemplative / Mixed Levels

Experience what makes Ayurveda a spiritual healing system, and how it can bring great power and healing to your yoga practice. We'll embrace the theme of transcendence through a creative yogic practice that combines asanas as sacred gestures to the forces of nature for healing the body and mind. Special energy mantras and pranayama will also be combined to guide us into the heart, the spirit of both Ayurveda and yoga. Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, practice, and healing are woven into the class through some discussion and metaphors to make yoga and Veda...One, for You!

Discussion and asana.


Restorative Yoga
Judith Hanson Lasater - Course ID: M6LASA

Sunday, January 20 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 6
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Explore the theory and the practice of restorative yoga. Props are essential to this practice. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: At least three blankets, an eye cover, a strap, and, if possible, a bolster. The more props, the more relaxation.
Mostly practice.


Therapeutics: Health and Freedom for the Upper Body
Sianna Sherman - Course ID: M6SHER

Sunday, January 20 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 6
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Come discover radiant health in the shoulders, neck, and upper body. We'll explore optimal alignment principles, basic anatomy, and therapeutic asana in an interactive, hands-on approach. Deepen your understanding of the power of asana to heal the body and learn skillful adjustments. Please come with a willingness to support and help each other.

Mostly asana with partner work.




The Nonphysical Practices of Yoga Therapy for Healing in Medical Settings
Jnani Chapman - Course ID: AMCHAP

Monday, January 21 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Monday All-Day Intensives
Continue Your Education / Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Discover the nonphysical practices of yoga that assist people in mobilizing their inner resources for healing when faced with chronic or life-threatening conditions, including cancer, heart, and autoimmune diseases. We'll discuss bringing these practices into medical settings from a body organs and systems perspective. Topics include the physiology of breath and movement, common symptoms and side effects, yoga texts, pratyahara, imagery, meditation and pranayama.

For health professionals and health care administrators, yoga teachers, caregivers, and people who have been diagnosed with cancer or stable chronic conditions. Lecture & discussion interspersed with easy asana, pranayama, imagery, and meditation.


Lymphatic Web: Revitalizing the Immune System, Emotional Body, and Happiness Pathways
Bo Forbes - Course ID: AMFORB

Monday, January 21 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Monday All-Day Intensives
Continue Your Education / Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

The immune system is part of an intricate web whose filaments reach deep into the nervous system and emotional body. Stimulating the lymph boosts the immune system, activates parasympathetic channels, calms the brain, improves sleep, strengthens positive emotional pathways, and builds resistance to negative emotions. Using Integrative Yoga Therapeutics, we'll explore ways to flush toxins from all components of the Lymphatic Web, enhancing physical, emotional, and energetic life force and creating the blueprint for emotional well-being.

CE credits offered for psychologists and social workers Elemental Yoga is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Elemental Yoga maintains responsibility for this program (AMFORB) and its content. This program offers three (3) CE hours for psychologists. This program is also approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Provider #886459124) for six (6) continuing education contact hours.

What to bring: A bolster or two to three blankets, an eye pillow, and two blocks.
Asana, pranayama, restorative yoga, and lecture.


Muscle Imbalances and Back Pain
Julie Gudmestad - Course ID: AMGUDM

Monday, January 21 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Monday All-Day Intensives
Continue Your Education / Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Muscle imbalances around the hips and spine can contribute to back pain and injuries. We'll study the anatomy of important antagonists, including the hamstrings versus the psoas, and the abdominals versus the erector spinae. Then we'll practice yoga poses and sequences to help correct imbalances, improve pelvic and spinal alignment, and relieve back pain.

Discussion, asana, and partner work.


Evidence-Based Viniyoga Therapy for Stress Management
Gary Kraftsow - Course ID: AMKRAF

Monday, January 21 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Monday All-Day Intensives
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Stress and disturbing emotions play a primary role in contributing to disease. Yoga has tremendous potential for assisting the general population with reducing stress and the effects of stress-related diseases. Come learn the techniques that Gary used in a 12-week multiregion study on stress management for Aetna Insurance Company. The intervention introduced tools for managing stress including asana, breathing techniques, relaxation, mental techniques, and education. The data analysis showed statistically significant results in reducing stress. Through lecture and practice, Gary will cover methods used in the study to relieve musculoskeletal tension and headaches, improve sleep, increase feelings of well-being, and improve coping strategies for dealing with stressful events and the subsequent negative symptoms.

Lecture and practice.


Stop Tucking Your Tailbone!
Judith Hanson Lasater - Course ID: AMLASA

Monday, January 21 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Monday All-Day Intensives
Continue Your Education / Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

We were meant to have curves in our spine. Learn why (through anatomy) and how (with asana) to stop tucking and begin to love your curved lower back. Tucking in standing does not "strengthen the back." Actually, it weakens it. Tucking does not "tone" the abdominal muscles—it weakens them. Learn the anatomical facts about why virtually no one you know has a "swayback," and how many people have become pain-free when they allow their natural curves to remain.

Lecture and asana practice.