Live Well - Yoga
"Tanya’s teaching is patient, unhurried and accommodated all levels. We felt we both learned so much" – Tracey Barker, U.K.
Yoga is one of the oldest forms of personal development. By definition, yoga means “union", a balance between the body, mind and spirit. In balancing the body and mind, through the practice of physical postures (asana) and meditation, yoga leads you to a more harmonious state of being.
Physically, yoga increases strength, flexibility and balance, which in turn leads to improved posture, greater muscle tone, increased energy and maintains the smooth functioning and health of all the body’s systems.
Through its meditative aspect, yoga decreases stress and quiets the mind. This clarity can help change your perspective of the world. When you are totally relaxed, it becomes clear what’s important and what’s not, helping you to make more conscious decisions in life.
Our teaching encompasses all aspects of the body, from how the breath moves within, to how the muscles support the organs, to how the mind reacts in any given posture. By incorporating all the body’s systems while practicing yoga, you begin to move from deep inside and gain a greater awareness of who you really are.
We also see Yoga as a path of self-discovery. Your first step on this path is to stand still. From this stillness, you begin to form a deeper understanding of yourself and the world in which you live. When you begin to take this awareness off the Yoga mat, and apply it to your daily life, you find a far greater balance than just learning to stand on one leg.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing that originated in India some 5,000 years ago. It differs greatly from western medical systems in many ways. To understand Ayurveda, it is essential to remember one important difference:
Western medicine seeks to treat symptoms in individuals. A particular symptom is always treated with the same approach, regardless of the individual.
Ayurveda seeks to balance the individual and the life energies that dominate their unique constitution. By establishing and maintaining this balance, the individual’s health is restored and preserved.
The Ayurvedic approach concerns itself with the uniqueness of the individual. It strives to establish and maintain the individual’s energy balance through taking foods and carefully selected herbs and spices that support it in the right way. Yoga is an essential part of the Ayurvedic approach, and specific asanas are used to help to maintain this balance.
Diet and food are an essential part of the Ayurvedic approach, however, it is not a “diet", but a healing system that takes into consideration the whole of the individual.
The Free-range Holidays Ayurveda & Yoga Detox is the perfect introduction to this fascinating and effective ancient system of healing.
Treatments
Massage
On many of our holiday options we include massage. If it’s not included (and even if it is!) we can easily arrange another one for you to enjoy in your free time. After all, our holidays are all about being good to yourself.
Benefits of Massage:
- Relaxes the whole body
- Loosens tight muscles
- Increases flexibility and range of motion
- Calms the nervous system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Enhances skin tone
- Reduces tension headaches
- Reduces mental stress
- Promotes restful sleep
Full Body Massage
Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage and let the worries and stress of work and family life back home disappear in an hour of bliss.
Ayurvedic Massage (Available only in Quinta Mimosa)
A traditional Indian massage which involves massage oil mixed with Ayurvedic herbs and powders applied through hand stokes and stretches.
Reflexology
Application of finger pressure to reflex zones on the feet to stimulate the organs and relieve areas of congestion.
Shiatsu
A Japanese massage therapy applied without oils, through the use of finger and hand pressure. It focuses on the energetic meridians of the body, allowing energy to flow more freely.
Indian Head Massage
An excellent way to relax and release tension from the shoulders, neck and head. Focuses on your head, face, neck, shoulders and upper back.
Thai Yoga Massage
A unique massage which combines rhythmic massage, acu-pressure, assisted yoga stretching and gentle twisting. This massage aids the release of blocked energy and toxins.
Ayurvedic Consultation
We have an Ayurvedic consultant who will interview you, define your constitution and determine your dosha (body type). She will provide you with a food plan according to your constitution or ailments. Individual proposal on lifestyle and exercising for maximum health and happiness.
Day Spa
We can organise a day in a nearby spa to further your relaxation. A full range of beauty treatments is available.
Activities
Hiking
The Algarve boasts some of the most spectacular scenery for hiking or relaxing nature walks. You can choose from rambling countryside walks or dramatic cliff-top hikes. Some of the guesthouses and villas we work with have trails that lead directly from the accommodation. If a guided walk or hiking excursion isn’t included in your chosen holiday, we can supply you with information on several trails.
Sailing
The Algarve provides a glorious setting for sailing. The Algarve is a wonderful cruising area all year round. Its moderate and mild climate ensures flat seas, a protected coastline and offshore breezes. We work with a few yacht charter companies and can organise Full and Half-day sailing trips. The prices vary depending on group size, boat size and season.
Dolphin Watching
These excursions are a great way to see Dolphins in their natural habitat. Guaranteed sightings as several pods have made the area their home.
Holistic Horse riding
Enjoy a new type of horse riding while trotting through rolling hills and beautiful open valleys. Based on the holistic principals of body work for the rider, following yoga and Chi Gong ideas. Learn how to use your body language as a tool for communication. Guided treks are between 1-3 hours and all levels from beginners to experienced are welcome.
We are based in the Algarve, so if you are intereested in something that is not listed, feel free to contact us and we can get the information for you.
What People Are Saying About the Yoga
“Excellent attention to detail and personal attention."
“Great, a good balance for starters and the more advanced. Pleasant but challenging. You both work really well together."
“A truely wonderful experience. Tanya and Lisa you are true professionals, so pleasant."
“Absolutely great. You were both so nice and helpful and the variety was great."
“So nice to hear you both reminding me to practice yoga at own pace. You he taught me how to listen to my own body."