Yoga with Paula Cunningham, based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Paula is passionate about teaching Yoga and has been doing so since 2001, and explores holistic well-being through Hatha Yoga, Dynamic Yoga and freeing energy flow through the Chakras. Paula's Background I have been practising Yoga since childhood (with a couple of very large gaps!) and have a British Wheel of Yoga Teaching Diploma and a Diploma in Chakra Dancing. I have also studied with Godfrey Devereux in Dynamic Yoga. Twenty years ago I trained as a Homoeopath for two years. Prior to that I worked with various techniques involving body awareness and hold Diplomas in the 'Medical Principle Relating to Exercise' and 'The Californian Work-out' Yoga Teaching Style My teaching style is a diverse and individual mix. I integrate Hatha Yoga, Dynamic Yoga, pranayama, philosophy and meditation / relaxation with a focus on enhancing energy in the subtle body towards a true sense of well-being Direction Chakras and Prana "Throughout my life, my interests have been in various forms of holistic well-being. The study of Homoeopathy cultivated this holistic and intuitive approach to health. Homoeopathic philosophies and those of Yoga are compatible and interlinked; they both acknowledge the spiritual aspect of being human. This study has added another dimension of awareness to my Yoga teaching and has developed an emphasis on the holistic nature of us as human beings. Focusing on our physical, mental and spiritual attributes, and how these parts of the whole reflect and affect each other. This has lead to the recognition of how influential the Chakras (energy centres in the subtle body) can be in enhancing our well-being. They affect energy in the physical body as well as the mental and subtle bodies. When 'Prana' (internal energy) is flowing freely and in a balanced way through these energy centres - optimum well-being is experienced. Regeneration, and even rejuvenation can then occur.Paula has written an article on 'Prana' which has been published in Healthy Life Magazine, March 2007 issue. Yoga's Physical, Mental and Spiritual Benefits Physically, Yoga offers innumerable benefits, from a lithe and youthful body with ease of movement and increased flexibility to a regenerating effect on the whole system. It also induces a calmer and more focused state of mind. Yoga is a method for experiencing the spiritual aspect of our nature. Yoga is holistic and based on the fact that we are mind, body and spirit beings. Among other things, Yoga is a system of physical exercises that covers an enormous range of body movements which have an immense impact on the whole self. It is safe and builds a firm foundation for health. It can benefit young and old alike, regardless of your shape or fitness level. Paula Cunningham 2007