THE MANA METHOD
The Mana Method TM is an authentic, heart based system that serves to honor, awaken and empower your highest self. It is about raising awareness, expanding the healing journey and cultivating responsibility for the good of yourself and others.
Activating and cleansing all elements of ourselves through specific sequencing of remedial and seasonal movement, breath work, meditation and prayer. The integration of individual adjustments and body work and healing techniques also makes for an enlightening, potent and medicinal experience.
Classes reflect the season, time of day and the needs of individuals to engage in daily living – exercise, breathing, diet, thought and behavior.
By keeping ourselves aligned with the seasonal elements of nature - and maintaining optimal ‘chi’ - we connect, ground and attune with ourselves and the world around us.
The Mana Method TM aligns you with the divine within, strengthening your inner voice and expression of source. Above all, it reveals your inner teacher so you may walk your path in trust, truth and alignment with The Creator.
5 SEASONS, 12 MERIDIANS
There are 5 seasons and 12 central meridians, according to oriental therapy, upon which mana yoga is based.
* NB: This information on the meridians and seasons is “public knowledge”.
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Fire element – Heart and Small Intestine; Pericardium and Triple Heater
Imbalanced meridian: high blood pressure, digestive issues, heartburn, breathlessness, heart problems, poor circulation/cold extremities, palpitations, sweatiness, tight upper back/shoulders, excitability, facial flushes, stuttering, shy/withdrawn, insensitive.
Balanced meridian: regulated circulation, calm demeanour, joyful, expressive, friendly and compassionate.
Spring
Metal element – Lungs and Large Intestine/Colon
Imbalanced meridian: respiratory issues, pneumonia, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds/flus, hay fever, allergies, haemorrhoids, rashes, acne, tense shoulders, sacral and sciatic pain, RSI, insecurity, grief, cellulite, bad breath, judgemental/opinionated.
Balanced meridian: positive and accepting attitude, trusting, vital, clear complexion, ability to let go and move forwards, be inspired.
Water element – Kidneys and Bladder
Imbalanced meridian: infertility, premature ageing, baldness, over/under active sex drive, ear/bone/lower back problems, fatigue, fear, depression, anxiety, salt cravings, poor memory, tinnitus (ringing in ears), headaches/migraines, cramping, weak pelvic floor.
Balanced meridian: confidence, motivation, courageous, creative, willpower, balanced energy, calm, patient, settled.
Late Summer
Wood element – Liver and Gall Bladder
Imbalanced meridian: arthritis, weak/painful joints, sore knees, hepatitis, eye sight problems, genital problems, addictive behaviors, manipulative, quick temper, frustration, toxic blood, disorganized, impatience, inflexibility, tight sides, excessively ticklish.
Balanced meridian: patience, ability to plan and delegate, flexible mind and body, creative, intuitive, compassionate.
Earth element – Stomach and Spleen
Imbalanced meridian: poor digestion and immunity, eating disorders, gastritis, menstrual imbalances, sugar cravings, weight issues, worrying mind, neediness, bloating, weak legs, poor self image, insomnia, mood swings, varicose veins, endometriosis, reflux, ulcers.
Balanced meridian: balanced digestion, no cravings, satisfied, sympathetic nature, centered, sense of self worth, secure and supported.
The Mana Method is unique system in that it draws our awareness directly to the source of any issue to heal and create change: physically, emotionally, mentally and energetically. Change that you feel immediately and changes that last. It’s not just about working with a learned set of sequences or postures for each season either – it’s about manipulating the energy within each pose in relation to all of the five elements and creating meridian integrity within seasonal flow. Working like this on a regular basis will cultivate deep and profound healing on all levels. This is my offering to you.
Denby
Many Yoga sequences are corrective, which means they target postural and energetic distortion and aim to re-pattern and balance the nervous system, any mental and emotional habits as well as alleviate any experience of dis-ease, for example, Sinusitis = Metal imbalance = Lung/Colon energy.
Asana can be either dynamic or passive, but are always organic, and you are encouraged to make every pose ‘your own’. Dynamic movement involves repetition where we aim to channel ‘chi’ (energy) into weakened, empty and disconnected areas or to alleviate overstimulated, full pathways, in order to find a more holistic balance. Passive movement involves more focused holding of postures with deeper breath work to open, release and build ‘chi’.
The subtleties of energy are addressed and developed so your time on the mat becomes a kinergetic healing experience as well; a powerful and intimate journey that moves you through aspects of each element within every pose.
Practicing yoga with Denby Sheather (accredited Senior/Level 3 Yoga Teacher – Ki and Hatha – and founder of Mana Yoga), will not only build structural and energetic integrity on all levels of your being, but also strengthen your ‘hara’ (belly/mind center), the very essence of oneself, and create lasting inner power that will sustain you when practicing any style of yoga.
Denby is passionate about introducing beginners to yoga and teaching foundational courses, as well as general, intermediate and stronger level classes. She is available by appointment for private yoga, rehabilitation and wellbeing consults. Her approach
is remedial, holistic and kinaesthetic - plus a little bit eclectic as well! Be prepared for change.
… whatever your level of experience, as long as you can laugh, smile and breathe, you can do Mana Yoga!!