Ridge Country Retreat is rapidly establishing itself as a Luxury Yoga Retreat by the introduction of weekend yoga workshops. The aim of these workshops is to allow people to de-couple from their stressful lives through the practice of Yoga and meditation, while enjoying all the comforts of luxurious accommodation in a peaceful environment surrounded by beautiful NZ native bush.
Many people have enjoyed the benefits of Yoga and Meditation. Channelling of prana (life energy) through the body with controlled breath is as important as the asanas (postures) and transition between them.
The following is an extract from wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga)
There has been an emergence of studies investigating yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer patients. Yoga is used for treatment of cancer patients to decrease depression, insomnia, pain, and fatigue and increase anxiety control.[83] Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs include yoga as a mind-body technique to reduce stress. A study found that after seven weeks the group treated with yoga reported significantly less mood disturbance and reduced stress compared to the control group. Another study found that MBSR had showed positive effects on sleep anxiety, quality of life, and spiritual growth.[84]
Yoga has also been studied as a treatment for schizophrenia. Yoga is found to improve cognitive functions and reduce stress in schizophrenia, a condition associated with cognitive deficits and stress-related relapse. In one study, at the end of four months those patients treated with yoga were better in their social and occupational functions and quality of life.[85]
The three main focuses of Hatha yoga (exercise, breathing, and meditation) make it beneficial to those suffering from heart disease. Overall, studies of the effects of yoga on heart disease suggest that yoga may reduce high blood pressure, improve symptoms of heart failure, enhance cardiac rehabilitation, and lower cardiovascular risk factors.[86]
Long-term yoga practitioners in the United States have reported musculoskeletal and mental health improvements, as well as reduced symptoms of asthma in asthmatics.[87] Regular yoga practice increases brain GABA levels and has been shown to improve mood and anxiety more than some other metabolically matched exercises, such as walking.[88] Implementation of the Kundalini Yoga Lifestyle has shown to help substance abuse addicts increase their quality of life according to psychological questionnaires like the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale and the Quality of Recovery Index.[89]
The 2-day retreats incorporate 5 yoga sessions with relaxation time between to allow for reflection or exploration. Students with all levels of experience with yoga are welcome. Workshop numbers are small to allow for a truly personal experience.
Below is an extract relating one guest's experience:
Just wanted to let you know that the yoga retreat weekend was extremely beneficial for me in so many ways.
It met all my goals, which included extending my yoga practice, and although the body was rather exhausted on Monday, it was wonderful to know I now have the increased strength and endurance to allow me to participate in these events and now recover much quicker than I would have in the past. I'm sure the relaxing, rejuvenating massage from Joanna certainly enhanced my recovery as well as all the time spent in the beautiful therapeutic waters of the pool and bath. This experience has allowed me to further reveal and release old beliefs and patterns enabling me to continue to grow into the true being I am.
It was such a treat to spend the time at Ridge Country Retreat in the healing powers of nature, enhancing my own wellbeing by allowing others to cook and serve me healthy food, sleeping in a 'cloud' of softness and comfort in the most amazing bed, meeting and conversing with everyone there and emerging re-energised and renewed.
Thank you David for making these yoga retreats available and for all your attention to detail in making it such an enjoyable and nourishing experience"
With deepest appreciation
Colleen
Delicious vegetarian meals are provided by our chef, along with a large selection of herbal teas and juices. For us, the quality of our food is as important as the quality of the Yoga instruction and is aimed at providing you an experience you will remember fondly. All dietary requirements are gladly catered for.
The workshop strives to strike the balance between activity and relaxation in order to provide a holistic experience for the participants that will see them depart the retreat fully relaxed and rejuvenated to begin the working week charged and ready to face new challenges.
