Definition of Yoga
Yoga is translated as "uniting" or "union," derived from the Sanskrit word yuk which means "to yoke" or "to unite." Yoga is an ancient holistic approach to improving physical and mental wellness and mind-body integration. Anyone is eligible for yoga instruction or yoga therapy, regardless of age or physical condition. Yoga is recognized globally as a successful treatment for disease prevention, health maintenance and health improvement.

Benefits of Yoga
There are as many benefits to practicing yoga as there is potential for human healing and transformation. Here are a few:

• Reduced emotional stress
• Less anxiety
• Relieved back pain and other chronic pain (i.e. from arthritis, fibromyalgia)
• Healthier digestion and elimination
• Better circulation and controlled blood pressure
• More mental clarity and focus
• Increased vitality
• Improved confidence and self-empowerment
• Increased self-awareness physically, mentally and emotionally

Origins of Yoga
Yoga teachings were first recorded about 5,000 years ago in Sanskrit in India. It seems as though breathing, meditation, and chanting were the main practices of self-study, improving health, and reaching a state of bliss. Between 200 and 400 BCE, the lectures of philosopher Pantajali were compiled into the Yoga Sutras, 200 statements on the science of yoga, most of which focus on practices of the mind and spirit and a few on practices of the physical body. In the 15th century, a more detailed account of Hatha Yoga, the practice of yoga postures, was recorded. It is thought that only ascetics who lived removed from society practiced yoga until the early 20th century when yogi Krishnamacharya taught his son, T.K.V. Desikachar, Pattabhi Jois, and B.K.S. Iyengar. These modern-day teachers brought Hatha yoga to the west. Krishnamacharya was known for integrating the principles of alignment, breath, and meditation. He tailored the practice to each individual and taught one-on-one. T.K.V. Desikachar maintains the tradition of individualized, integrated, therapeutic teaching in Chennai, India. B.K.S. Iyengar developed and teaches a practice in Pune, India that focuses on physical anatomical alignment and the use of props. In Mysore, India, K. Pattabhi Jois founded and teaches ashtanga vinyasa yoga, a set sequence of postures in which the teacher gives the next pose when the student is ready.

Style of Yoga
Marisa teaches in the Krishnamachrya/T.K.V. Desikachar/Madras tradition in that she applies yoga techniques and practices mindfully as they are appropriate for the individual. Marisa's diverse and comprehensive training and teaching experience allows her to offer informed instruction and the practice that is appropriate for you in the moment, always creating a challenging yet meditative, safe and nurturing experience. Marisa's group classes are meditative slow flowing vinyasa classes that acknowledge the needs of the individuals and focus on the use of the breath as a link to mindful movement.