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    Yoga Connections at Divercity Hub

    Yoga Connections at Divercity Hub

    £10.00 - £15.00
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  • Nicky Waters

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    My Practice....

    I believe Yoga and massage should be accessible and meaningful for everyone and so will consider all aspects of a clients' circumstances to help develop a service which is suited to their individual needs.

     

    Sensitivity to and understanding of trauma is an ongoing personal work and informs the sessions I offer. Inclusivity for all is something I aim towards. However, I cannot claim to be knowledgeable about what all bodies need. I always remain open to and thankful for your feedback.

     

    Please contact me for prices and availability.

     

     

  • My Experience

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    Training

    Where I teach

    I am based in Heaton, Newcastle, where I offer massage therapy and 1:1 Yoga sessions from my home. For group bookings, please get in touch to discuss venue options.
     

  • Articles and Media

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    Ayurveda and the British Empire

    Why History is Important

     

    About Ayurveda
     

    Some of the words commonly used to described Ayurveda, a health system originating from the Indian subcontinent, are ‘mystical’, ‘alternative’ and ‘ancient’. In reality Ayurveda is a living, breathing science that is applicable to modern life; in many ways it is more sophisticated than western medicine and at the same time compatible with it. This view of Ayurveda can be linked to the occupation of India by the British Empire. In this article I will explain a little bit about that history and give some suggestions for ways to honour this wisdom practice in its fullness.

    Ayurveda comprises the Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ meaning life, and ‘Veda’ meaning science. It is true that Ayurveda is ancient. It is approximately 5000 years old. Ayurveda understands health as the relationship between our physical, mental and emotional state, and the environment in which we live. It takes into consideration the five elements to understand the internal and external world and to help find solutions for bringing them into balance. Ayurveda has been passed down through oral tradition, like Yoga, and great reverence is given by Indian practitioners to the ancestry of their teachers.

     

    The British Empire

     

    Britain arrived in India in the 1600s and gradually took power in India. The British crown ruled the Indian subcontinent from 1858- 1947, but before this the ‘East India Company’ ruled. It set up its own armies, claimed Indian territory, and took complete control of trade. British officials viewed Indians and their traditions as savage and primitive. These views supported their aim to extract resources from India. It is said that much of the Industrial Revolution was the result of the dissemination of India. It is believed that in the centuries that Britain rules, the wealth the British took from India is close to $45 trillion is today’s money.

     

    As Britain positioned itself as superior and disenfranchised Indians Ayurveda received less support. Ayurveda stopped being taught in colleges in 1833. As Western medicine developed, the British East India Company employed only European doctors and surgeons. Indians were not allowed senior roles, only to be assistants. Western medical facilities were not even open to Indians and were reserved only for Europeans. The marginalisation and death of Indigenous classes, because of British brutality, meant Ayurveda declined.

    Ayurveda Today


    Today Ayurveda is now popular globally and easily accessible. However, what we can most readily learn about Ayurveda is a very paired down and edited version. The most marketable aspects of Ayurveda, which appeal to Western tastes, are those which have been propagated. 


    Extraction of resources was the primary aim of the British Empire; to put a stop to this we can change our focus when we practice traditions from other cultures. From an attitude of appropriation, which is based on selecting the most palatable parts of other cultures’ traditions, the ones which simply make us feel good, we can move towards fuller appreciation of these traditions, which is based on curiosity, durational learning, and understanding of history. After all, the main aim of Ayurveda is to move away from avidya, or ignorance, and towards a deeper understanding.

    If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda, look into the philosophy, not just the treatments. Consider taking a course from a teacher, or reading a book by an author, who is of Indian heritage. Learn from a wider variety of resources, not just from short videos or articles which may give a limited perspective. Below is a small list of teachers which I can recommend. There are many more out there. Keep studying and enjoy learning, unlearning, and relearning!

    www.ayushkama.com
    www.kallieschut.com

    www.susannabarkataki.com

     

  • Resource list

    I encourage my friends and colleagues to engage in self study and a constant process of learning/unlearning/learning. Below is a list of resources which have been useful to me. I welcome recommendations for materials which are not present here.