Activity classes can be tailored to your specific needs depending on your needs and number of participants. activity length and number of participants. They all take place either outdoors in our gardens, indoors or in our saunas, and vary in length (30, 45 or 60 minutes).
Do-In is a form of Chinese Dao Yin that is further developed in Japan. These are gentle Shiatsu-like exercises that promote the flow of energy - known as Ki in Japanese. The technique involves using acupressure and gentle tapping on the body's meridians to get the blood, lymph fluid and also the life energy Ki to flow. You wear your yukata throughout the session, where you are guided from head to toe. A perfect way start to the day or as an energy boost during the day. If you are a small group of maximum 20 people, you can have this activity in the morning in our cca 50 C warm sauna with a view to verdant treetops.
Shinrin yoku is a Japanese tradition where you practice being fully present in nature, learning to understand and value it. Researchers in Japan have found several beneficial effects of staying in the forest. Here at Yasuragi, we can enjoy the nature of the archipelago mixed with Japanese aesthetics in our garden. You will be guided in various simple exercises where we use nature and all our senses to help us become more present, grateful and to calm the nervous system.
A simple series of qigong exercises for beginners as well as experienced qigong practitioners. The name silk refers to the fact that the movements should be as soft and fine as the silk used to weave a brocade.
This is one of the most popular qigong methods that originated in China and dates almost 1000 years back in time. As the name suggests, there are eight qigong exercises. These are developed by the Chinese general and hero Yue Fei as part of the training of his soldiers in order to keep the soldiers' bodies strong, healthy and their minds prepared for battle. It affects our energy flow through the meridians called ki in Japanese, which affects both our mental and physical health. We recommend combining with Do-In as a warm-up.
Zazen means sitting meditation and is the most common form of meditation in Japan's Zen Buddhist temples. It is one of the oldest and most proven techniques for practicing presence, acceptance and peace of mind. You will notice the immediate effects such as reduced stress levels and a better focus for what is next on the agenda. It is all about easing our minds from all thoughts for a moment.
Not getting stuck in your thoughts is often more difficult than one might think, but you will get tools on how to let go of your thoughts. The long-term effects besides a happier mind are many, including better collaboration, a better working climate and increased creativity. You will therefore receive tips on how you can meditate at home with inspiration from the Zen monks!
We recommend this activity early in the morning before breakfast. It is even very beneficial as a pause during the day where we will combine the sitting meditation with a walking Zen meditation called Kinhin.
We all know how we feel affects our breathing, but few have learned to use their breathing to control how they feel. We will introduce you to three different breathing techniques that give an immediate effect and are good tools to have during the day. An exercise for stress reduction before, during and after the working day. A balancing breathing exercise, which is the basis for long-term healthy breathing. An energizing breathing exercise that can replace or reduce your coffee in the morning and during the rest of the working day. If you want a more intense tension releasing experience we recommend 60 min.
A relaxing meditative class led by a gong, Tibetan singing bowls and crystal bowls. You enter into a deep relaxation far away from everyday stress and worries. It is the gong and the undulating sound of the bowls that take you on the journey. The sound waves affect us at a cellular level, they release tensions and stress while having the ability to activate the body's self-healing powers. You each lie on a mattress on the floor with a blanket over your body and just let yourself be swept away by the tones. The sound journey connects to old knowledge about the healing effect of sound.
Cupping therapy is an ancient Eastern tradition, where it was used to treat stiff shoulders, swollen legs, aches, etc. Here we combine yin yoga as described above with a deep connective tissue massage, where you place silicone cups on different parts of the body for 3-5 minutes. This leads to the removal of human waste, improved circulation, tighter and more vital skin, reduction of cellulite, muscle relaxation, etc. The cups stimulate the blood and lymph circulation and further soften the connective tissue on tense parts of the body which releases tensions and stagnations.
Having pain in the shoulders or in the neck is common. Perhaps your muscles have become stiff after long periods of stationary work, or from working in an incorrect position. Pain in the shoulders and neck can also be due to stress or that you have problems with a muscle attachment.
We will work with our shoulders and neck in 5 different ways. We start by shaking the body to release tension followed by a breathing exercise to make the body and muscles go into a deeper relaxation and increase presence. We then continue with 4 exercises to soften the area, we treat stagnation with cupping and finish with stretching.
Yin yoga is a restorative form of yoga that is about calming the body and mind. Yin yoga positions are with a light, soft stretch, performed in silence and with great presence. Each position is held for at least 3-5 minutes, which gives you time to calm your mind and feel your body. Here we work with the body's fascia, connective tissue, more than the muscles. The fascia is a network of connective tissue that surrounds all parts of the body. It provides support to your muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, organs, nerves, joints and bones. Through yin yoga, the fascia gets more flexible which releases tensions. Everyone can do yin yoga, even if you have a mobility problem, are older, have injuries because we never go into extreme positions. The focus is often on the hips and lower back, areas that are both rich in connective tissue.
You practice the sequences together with others, but at your own pace - while the teacher provides individual help and guidance when needed.
