By: Kathleen Wright

The popularity of yoga in the west has burgeoned over the past couple of decades, and no other system of teaching has been given more credit for bringing the therapeutic benefits of yoga to the everyday student than the Iyengar Method. What is so different about this system is that the use of props such as belts, blocks, blankets and even the very wall/floor/tables and chairs at home or in an office setting can be used to help gradually open up the body. The person who has become “too stiff to bend that way” or “too tight to stretch that far” is motivated to use this process which reeducates the whole body/mind system which extends from the brain circuitry to the soles of the feet. A limber body is not a prerequisite for learning yoga!

Every body has its aging process and what aliments start as simplistic will be eventually chronic ailments if ignored too long. Along with therapeutic massage, therapeutic yoga classes are now being offered on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., with individual sessions available at the Alternative Therapy Massage Center and School by appointment. Longtime Iyengar teacher, Kathleen Wright, has been teaching in the Wilmington/Newark area since the early 90’s. Well-known and respected for her further attention to the details of body, postural integration, as well as the meditational aspects of the art and science of yoga, Kathleen continues studying the Iyengar method which compliments standard physical therapy techniques that often fail to re-educate the body and the mind from repetitive strain and stress “injuries.” In therapeutic yoga, hand, arm, and shoulder movements re-educate the spine of the upper trunk while foot, leg, and hip movement re-educate the spine of the lower trunk. Fundamental re-alignment occurs over time.

The end of every class involves the relaxation pose called “the Corpse.” This period of 15-20 minutes of stillness imprints the physical/mental learning of the previous 60 minutes of active movement. At Alternative Therapy Massage Center and School, our yoga classes are small, allowing all participants to develop balance, flexibility and strength at their own pace. Students are given special props and modifications of the postures to address skeletal misalignments that cause pain along with muscle contraction that is contributing to the mental/emotional fatigue of everyday living. Kathleen’s teaching offers deeper self-understanding, the key that unlocks the mystery of vitality and positive living.

Kathleen is also certified in the ancient art and science of Astrology. The knowledge about the answers to life’s questions can be unlocked
through the examination of the “birth record” of the planetary positions that were present as we took our first breath as a newborn. This is called the “Natal Chart.” Astrology deciphers the way that timing can be used most effectively to ease difficult periods in life.

Astrology consultations are available at Alternative Therapy by appointment.

Publisher’s Note: What a wonderful facility. I have had numerous massages from Alternative Therapy and I can honestly say they have all been great. If you are looking for a wonderful way to relax, or if you need a massage to treat your tired body, the girls at Alternative Therapy can meet your every need. Deanna is also a very skilled Intuitive that impressed us greatly & even gave us comfort in our direction.

Alternative Therapy Holistic Center & Massage School was founded by Rachel Lewis, a Nationally Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware with over 10 years experience in the massage and bodywork industry. Alternative Therapy’s experienced staff accepts clients at three locations: Newark, Wilmington, and Middletown. Massage Therapy classes are held at the Newark location.

For more information, visit www.alternativetherapyllc.com or call 302-368-0800.