Harmony Yoga & Wellness

12/19/2025

TEA OF THE DAY: LEMON BALM

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) offers benefits for reducing anxiety, improving mood, aiding sleep, easing digestion (bloating, gas), soothing cold sores topically, and potentially enhancing memory/cognition, thanks to compounds with calming, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

Key Benefits & Uses:

Anxiety & Stress Relief: Its calming compounds can reduce nervousness, improve mood, and help with stress-related sleep issues.

Improved Sleep: It promotes restful sleep, especially when combined with other herbs like valerian.

Digestive Aid: Helps relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion due to its antispasmodic and carminative properties.

Cold Sore Treatment: Topical ointments can speed healing of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Cognitive Function: May improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance, though more studies are needed.

Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that offer anti-inflammatory effects.

Menstrual Relief: Can help ease painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and related symptoms like cramps and fatigue.

How It Works:

Contains terpenes and phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid, which contribute to its calming and antioxidant effects.

Acts as a mild sedative and antispasmodic.

12/14/2025

HARMONY YOGA CLASSES IN DECEMBER/JANUARY

HARMONY II:
SPECIALTY CLASS $25
Fri 12/19 9:00-10:30 Restorative Yoga w/Sound Bath
(pre-registration required)

4 CLASS SERIES $50
Wed 1/7 9:00-10:30 Myofascial Release & Deep Stretch
Wed 1/12 9:00-10:30 Wall Yoga
Wed 1/17 9:00-10:30 Yoga w/Props
Wed 1/22 9:00-10:30 Yin
PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DYG38D4PHPXRJ
Venmo

11/27/2025

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11/26/2025

5 MINUTE RESET FOR HOLIDAY STRESS

Cleanse Your Aura and Space Of Toxic Emotions | Healing Feminine Energy • Heal Body, Mind & SpiritChannel: Positive Energy Vibrations🎵Track information:Com...

11/18/2025

Prepare for the holidays with Yoga classes each Tues & Thurs 9:30-10:30. Drop-ins welcome just $10. Bring a friend! Inside Legacy Academy 1324 Jadwin, Richland Uptown.

11/16/2025

ONE KIND WORD CAN CHANGE SOMEONE'S ENTIRE DAY-
share the love❤

11/04/2025

ANJALI MUDRA (PRAYER POSE)

Across multiple religions and spiritual traditions, the "energy" created by bringing palms together in prayer is largely understood in metaphorical or spiritual terms rather than as a single, scientifically measurable form of physical energy. This gesture is believed to create a sense of unity, balance, and focus.

Key interpretations of this "energy" or effect include:

Balancing Hemispheres/Energies:
In spiritual and yogic traditions (such as with the Anjali Mudra or gassho), the act of joining the right and left hands is believed to balance the body's polar energies (masculine/sun and feminine/moon) and integrate the right (creative/intuitive) and left (analytic/logical) hemispheres of the brain. This helps create a "neutral space" and improved concentration and focus.

Acupressure and Neural Activation:
From a physiological perspective, pressing the tips of the fingers and palms together activates various pressure points associated with the eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing the thumbs into the breastbone activates a reflex point of the vagus nerve, which is associated with a state of rest, relaxation, and a calming effect on the mind and body (parasympathetic activity).

Symbolism of Humility and Submission:
In some Christian and historical contexts, the gesture originated as a symbol of a vassal's submission to a lord, signifying that the individual was unarmed and seeking protection or surrender to a higher power. It is widely considered a gesture of respect, humility, and gratitude across many cultures.

Inner Focus and Connection:
The posture helps shut out external distractions, fostering a deeper connection with one's "higher self" or the divine. It helps to center the individual and promotes a sense of wholeness and internal calm.

Circulation of Life Energy (Qi/Prana):
Some Asian-based spiritual traditions believe in a spiritual or life energy (like Qi or prana) that flows through the body's energy channels (meridians or chakras). Joining the hands is thought to help circulate this energy, preventing it from becoming stagnant and promoting better health and spiritual experiences.

11/04/2025

REVERSE PRAYER POSE

Reverse prayer in yoga is called Paschim Namaskarasana or Reverse Namaste Pose. The name comes from the Sanskrit words for "west" (paschim), "greeting" (namaskar), and "pose" (asana).

This pose offers physical and mental benefits by stretching and strengthening the shoulders, arms, chest, and upper back. It can relieve stress, improve posture, increase flexibility, and promote deeper breathing and relaxation.

11/02/2025

A MONTH OF GRATITUDE AND BEYOND......

November's yoga give-away is this beautiful bound journal!
To win, just show up an drop a gratitude in the jar. The recipient will be announced on the last class of this month. 😍

I am grateful for give-aways!

11/01/2025

POSE OF THE DAY: VRIKSHANA (TREE)

10/17/2025

OUR BEAUTIFUL PURGI MARTIN PRACTICING YOGA ENROUTE TO ALASKA!

The long-lasting gift of yoga extends beyond the classroom into everyday life, promoting sustained improvements in mental and physical well-being. A consistent practice offers benefits such as enhanced mood, clearer thinking, and a greater sense of calm that can be carried with you off the mat.

Mental and emotional benefits:
Boosted mood and reduced stress: A single class can lift your spirits and lessen anxiety, but a regular practice can significantly increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters in the brain. Elevated GABA levels are associated with better mood and decreased anxiety that can last for days.

Improved mental clarity: The focus on breathwork (pranayama) and mindfulness during class trains your brain to quiet mental clutter. This enhanced concentration and ability to stay present can remain long after the session, leading to increased productivity and a more focused day.

Enhanced resilience and perspective: By focusing on the present, yoga helps you manage the stress of everyday life by changing your perspective. It gives you a "toolkit" of breathing and mindfulness techniques to navigate difficult or agitating situations with greater calm.

Better sleep: The relaxation techniques and physical release experienced during a yoga session can lead to more restful and sustained sleep. This calming effect on the nervous system prepares both your mind and body for a deeper, more peaceful night.

Deeper body awareness: Regular practice increases your awareness of your body's signals and alignment. This heightened intuition can help you recognize when you need a quick stretch, or when your body is signaling a need for rest.

Better posture: Improved muscle tone and flexibility help support a healthier alignment. A stronger core, developed through various poses, makes it easier to sit and stand taller, reducing aches and pains.

Relief from chronic pain: The stretching and low-impact movements of yoga help relax muscles and increase mobility, providing relief for chronic conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.

Cardiovascular health: Regular, vigorous practice can elevate your heart rate into the aerobic range, strengthening the heart muscle. It also helps lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

Increased energy and vitality: By improving respiration and oxygen flow, yoga boosts your overall energy levels. Many practitioners describe a "yoga high" that leaves them feeling more energized long after class.

Healthier habits: Over time, yoga can lead to an increased sense of self-care and a more positive outlook on life. Many people who practice regularly find themselves adopting more wholesome lifestyle choices.

10/16/2025

TEA(S) OF THE DAY: Lemon Ginger Tea (no caffine) with Mountain Honey, Lemon Balm, Mango or Pear😋❤

Digestive Health:
Ginger helps stimulate digestion and reduce nausea.
Lemon provides citric acid, which aids in breaking down food and improving gut health.

Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Ginger contains gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and reduces inflammation.

Boosts Immunity:
Vitamin C in lemon and ginger's antioxidant properties help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

Heart Health:
Ginger may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow.
Lemon's flavonoids have antioxidant effects that protect the heart.

Skin Health:
Vitamin C in lemon promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin irritations.

Other Benefits:
Lemon ginger tea can help relieve menstrual cramps and ease sore throats.