Almost everyone has experienced pain and likely will again. How did it make you feel to read that statement? Did it bring up fear? Did you tense up or feel yourself recoil? Well that’s part of the science of pain!
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” (the Dalai Lama, Haruki Murakami, Buddha…)
This course is for anyone interested in learning about pain, whether for themselves or those working with others. My goal is for people to understand pain and its complexities, and to empower them with the knowledge and tools to manage their own pain, find peace and greater well-being.
For the student – to help guide you to take control of your own life rather than letting pain control you For the instructor – to help you feel confident working with people in pain (rather than saying “skip it or take child’s pose”)
This workshop is Online & In-person, so anyone, anywhere can join! With the right knowledge, you can better understand and work with pain to be able to discern “how much pain is okay in this situation, can I change it, or should I avoid it…”
Key Topics: - The science of pain (in a nutshell!) - Acute vs chronic pain - Factors that contribute to how pain is experienced - 3 keys to pain management - How Yoga can help
This is going to be a fun and interactive course open to ALL. This includes yoga instructors and anyone working with clients in pain, and is particularly beneficial for anyone dealing with pain, such as chronic pain or pregnant person preparing for birth. No previous yoga experience required. Variations and modifications will be offered for those with limited mobility. *NOTE: Pain is a complex system that is constantly being studied. This workshop is meant as a guide and in no way will be meant to diagnose or replace the care of a person’s healthcare team. “Pain can change everything, and everything changes pain.” Neil Pearson
About me: I am a registered Yoga Therapist, Yoga Instructor and Continuing Education Provider. I teach several styles of yoga and specialize in proper breathing, postural alignment, pain care and pelvic floor health, as well as prenatal and postnatal health and recovery.
After working with clients in yoga therapy and classes, I saw the incredible need to educate myself on pain. I have studied pain care in my Yoga Therapy training and with Neil & Lisa Pearson, through their program, Pain Care Aware. I continue to learn and am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others!
MENOPAUSE is one of the most significant times in a woman/person's life. So why don’t we celebrate it? Menopause can and should be a beautiful time in a woman/person’s life. No longer tied to children or family obligations. No longer burdened by periods or worried about getting pregnant. You have accumulated years of experience and wisdom that you now get to pass onto others. You are the revered Queen or Sovereign of goddesses!
This course is designed to bring awareness to this topic, practices that can help alleviate symptoms, and empower individuals in their own health and self-care journey.
We will also create a ritual space for people to talk openly about their experiences, share their wisdom, and to honour and celebrate each other in whatever phase you’re in. This will include a meditation practice to clear away the old you and step fiercely into the NEW YOU!
Topics include:
What is menopause and signs you might be there
Common conditions related to menopause such as stress, insomnia, brain fog, restless legs, and those dang hot flashes!
Not so common conditions such as formication (not what you think!) and joint issues
Pelvic floor health & my favorite core strengtheners
How Yoga can help
Other topics including lifestyle, sexuality, the importance of sisterhood and getting support from loved ones
Agenda:
Opening circle
Meditation & journaling exercise
Lecture
Discussion & Questions
Putting it all into practice
Please bring writing material such as journal/ notebook and pen.
Cost: $95.00 Location: PranaShanti Yoga Centre, 950 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON Link to Sign Up: http://tinyurl.com/mrx8xyyz Register by phone: 613-761-9642
This workshop is open to women and non-binary people - whether you’re not quite there or already past menopause. We all have something to learn and share with each other! No previous yoga experience required. Variations and modifications will be offered for those with limited mobility. This course can also be beneficial for yoga teachers and anyone wanting to support others in their menopausal journey. *This workshop is meant to open dialogue & bring awareness to menopause. In no way is it meant to diagnose, treat or act as medical advice. Each student is encouraged to consult with their health care provider and use their own discretion in deciding what part of the practices would be best for them.
Bliss Yoga with Essential Oils
Enjoy a nurturing and relaxing class incorporating Restorative Yoga to fully relax while receiving the healing benefits of massage using therapeutic essential oils. This is Bliss Yoga!
Suitable for all levels. This class is beneficial for conditions related to stress, illness and injury. And it makes a great gift for Mother's Day! (hint, hint!)
"When you relax, truly relax, then healing begins..." -Melissa
Cost: $55.00 per person in advance, $60.00 per person day of. Location: PranaShanti, 950 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON Link to Sign Up: http://tinyurl.com/mrx8xyyz Register by phone: 613-761-9642
Please note that space is limited to 10 participants. It is highly recommended you sign up early to ensure a spot in this workshop.
Practice postures that encourage a healthy, happy pregnancy and birth. Connect with other mamas-to-be as you move your body in ways that feel good and help alleviate some of the common effects of pregnancy. You will learn breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as simple postures that can be beneficial for your pregnancy, labour and motherhood!
We will discuss topics such as pelvic floor and pelvic stability, diastasis prevention, pain management and birth positions. No previous yoga experience required.
I am thrilled toonce again be a part of this amazing event! 24Hr Yogapalooza is an incredible opportunity to help kids with cancer. Going into its sixth year, this annual fundraiser supports childhood cancer care and research at CHEO. Please consider donating to this important cause and/or join me Saturday, Sept. 30th @7:00pm for Core Restore Yoga!
24Hr Yogapalooza is a 24-hour “yogathon”, across two 12-hour days of yoga. Located at the Ottawa Art Gallery, the event kicks off the morning of September 30 - October 1 with 1 hr classes from 8:00am - 8:00pm each day
You are welcome to join any number of the yoga classes over the weekend!
Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone Last year, the number of kids newly diagnosed with cancer at CHEO was over 89, and more than 500 children were in various stages of cancer treatment. A cancer diagnosis is life altering, resulting in aggressive treatments and an uncertain future for kids and their families. CHEO is constantly working to ensure children can get the care they deserve, working to find innovative treatments to offer safer and gentler care.
PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA TRAINING SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2023
Yoga can offer amazing benefits for pregnancy, labour and parenthood; however, there are things that teachers and practitioners need to know!
In this comprehensive training weekend, students will understand the pre and postnatal body and feel confident modifying their own practice to suit their individual needs and goals.
As instructors, you will feel more capable and confident, your classesmore accessible and welcoming, and you will stand out as a skilled yoga teacher!
We will look at practices for each stage including support for fertility, partner yoga for pregnancy and labour, postpartum recovery and parent/baby yoga. Topics include pelvic floor issues, diastasis recti & scar care as well as teaching to online students. Resources will also be provided in the event of pregnancy loss.
Here is what previous students have said about the course: "This was beyond my expectation!" "Melissa is very informed on pelvic floor and I really appreciated her knowledge AND experience" "I loved the content, the stories, the group, the practice. I wish we had more time!"
This program is designed foryoga teachers, fitness instructors, and other health professionals, as well as parents-to-be. Students will receive 20 CEU’s and certificate of completion.
With more than 15 years experience as a Yoga Instructor & Yoga Therapist, Prenatal & Postnatal Instructor, continuing education provider, as well asmom of 2 children, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my courses. I specializes in proper breathing, postural alignment and pelvic floor health and am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others!