Therapeutic Yoga & Lineage

The core threads of Hazel’s knowledge have been passed down unbroken over the years from teacher to student from Sri T. Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, via his son TKV Desikachar, to the lead teacher for her Diploma – Dr Michael de Manicor.

It complements. It assists with our whole life experience.

This traditional style has a therapeutic approach at its core; it’s the treatment of dis-ease. And we all know what this dis-ease and being ‘not at ease’ feels like. In this lineage yoga is used in specifically considered ways to help to heal, improve, maintain, protect or to restore health.

rock texture with dark markings and red lines

Since completing her Diploma, in addition to working with students’ own circumstances, interests, needs and goals, Hazel weaves knowledge from her studies into classes. Studies include with;

  • AG Mohan, like Desikachar, a long-term student with Krishnamacharya
  • Gary Kraftsow (American Viniyoga) long-term student of Desikachar
  • Leslie Kaminoff (who also studied with Desikachar) for breathwork
  • Psychologist and mediation teacher Tara Brach for all round wise insight
  • Baxter Bell and Nina Zolotow for Yoga for Healthy Aging.

And of course, her personal history and life experiences.

Three key teachings especially inspire Hazel

The success of yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures, but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships

– TKV Desikachar

I do not mean that I have to only give private lessons, but I must create an atmosphere in my classes in which each student can find his or her own way in yoga

– Sri T. Krishnamacharya

Asana practice should be a harmonious experience. Never a struggle. The manner of breathing into a wind instrument can create either a grating screech or a melodious song. The body too, is an instrument. If used skilfully, as in the unison of movement and breath [and] when performed with the graceful orchestration of all its parts, asana can become a music of the body, breath and mind. Such music moves everything it touches.

– AG Mohan